Facts contradicted each other. They were what Marlowe expected and yet they weren't. It was hard to determine. Records showed that if the old couple were not actually senile incompetents, they were close to it. Now that they'd returned the ship in good condition, legal action against them would be dangerous. Everyone had grandparents and knew that they were sometimes foolish. It was a spot to get out of as gracefully as the company could. It was as training director for Interplanet Transport, however, that he was interested in them. "You were in space for nearly four months," he said. "Few people take that much exposure to radiation at one time. We had to determine the state of your health. The evaluation isn't complete, but I think we can say you're in no immediate danger." Did they understand? It was doubtful. No one else would have stolen the ship and attempted to bring it to Earth. But, damn it, they had done so, landing the ship on the outskirts of the little town, unobserved in the gathering storm. The facts were painfully fresh in his mind. "I'd like to know something of your background," said Marlowe. "What's your experience with spaceships?" "Went to Venus in one," Ethan answered. "Also took a trip to Mars. Stayed there." The old man had haunted the control compartment, watching how it was done. Some people did. But that was not a substitute for experience. "That was long ago and you were a passenger. Anything more recent?" "Nope. Except for this last trip." That was what didn't make sense. "Are you sure? Be honest. Check your memory." The old man had once piloted jets. But it was not the same. "No other experience," said Ethan. "Had training, though." Marlowe knew it. Without training, no one could manage takeoff and landing. Somehow, the official search had failed to uncover this vital information. "Where did you take it?" "Forget the name. Remember every word of it, though." Marlowe nodded. It was often the case. Early memories were fresh and clear while later events blew over the enfeebled mind and left no trace. "But you didn't tell me where." "Don't remember that part of it. It was a mighty good course. Wasn't accepted, even though I passed, after paying for my lessons in advance. They said I was too old." Air lodged in his throat--Marlowe doubled over. If he'd heard rightly.... Good God, there were angels and correspondence courses that watched over the aged! No--give the credit to angels. "I realized I wasn't as spry as I used to be," continued Ethan seriously. "Can't shoot off a planet or slam down on one the way your pilots do. We were at the far end of the field, quite a ways off. Everybody was busy with the pilot who was running around. They were trying to help him. "Guess they didn't see us. They'd have laughed if they did. We went up slow, kind of wobbly. But we got off." * * * * *