"That does not matter, my boy. You forget, we are now in the real or 'static' universe. Moreover we came here through a space warp, traveling with a speed which exceeds that of light. Elementary astrophysics will tell you that any object exceeding the speed of light attains infinite mass. Therefore we may safely assume that during our period of translation from the inner to the outer universe the _Liberty_ and all of us aboard the ship expanded to a size comparable to this universe which now surrounds us." "Expanded?" grunted Lark O'Day. "But I don't feel any different." "Naturally not. For you are as perfectly attuned to this greater universe as you were formerly to our own contracted solar system." "But," demurred Gary, "Anjers--I mean Borisu--himself said--" Dr. Kang smiled quietly. "Borisu made _several_ paradoxical remarks. He also showed an appalling lack of comprehension of the hypatomic drive. Moreover, on several occasions he failed rather pitifully to accomplish a mission he had every opportunity of achieving. "All of which leads me to believe, my friend, that--his boasting to the contrary--he's not so brilliant a genius as he believes himself. Nor is his race so scientifically advanced as he considers it. In at least several respects we have already discovered their knowledge to be inferior to ours. Let us hope we can maintain our superiority, and bring about the end we desire." "By golly, that's right!" muttered Muldoon. "Borisu never struck _me_ as being any master mind. And he _admitted_ his race didn't know the secret of spaceflight." "Excuse me," interrupted Dr. Kang. "At one time they did not. But they must know that secret now." "Why?" "How else could Dr. Boris Anjers have reached Earth to serve as an espionage agent for his people? We are forced to assume this Magogean surveillance of the solar system is a regular thing, with new appointees assuming their duties periodically. Borisu intimated he was but one of many. Obviously, therefore, the Magogeans have mastered not only spaceflight but faster-than-light travel. As well as the ability to diminish their own bodily size at will. At any rate, we shall know in a little while." * * * * * Warren's voice interrupted him. The skipper was seated at the controls. "You've got part of your answer now, Doc." "What do you mean, Captain?" "About spaceflight. The Magogeans _have_ got ships. Because here comes a flock of them right now." O'Day's eyes lighted. Restless for action, he had been chafing impatiently ever since they sighted Magog. Now his moment had come. He sprang to his feet. "Man the guns! We'll teach those scoundrels--" "Wait," advised Dr. Kang. "Not so swiftly. Let us try every peaceful means to win them over first. Dr. Bryant--where is Dr. Bryant?"