Hardly a man touched his food, and as soon as they were out of earshot of the women, he spoke what was in his mind. The crew heard him at the table and many of them gathered to listen. For the first time in their lives they were worried. Their lives depended on the earthmen before they even _reached_ their planet. Yarbro hesitated. "I'm not so sure now, that I _have_ found the answer. When it came to me, I thought it was simple, but now it seems more like a dream. "Since knowing that the fuel was low I've racked my brain for something that might be used--and it had to be on the ship. Every _other_ man was looking for a mechanical answer, and my efforts would be of little use. So I've searched for a chemical. "_Water_ is the only liquid in any quantity. I discarded it so many times that it left a headache, but my search always came back to the same place. It's the only thing we've got. "All other liquids are in too small amounts, even if they could be used, and the ship is equipped only for chemical fuel--_in liquid form_! "At dinner when I became so excited, I thought that water would do the trick. Now I don't know. It has oxygen in large amounts, which is vitally needed, but that's the only advantage. "Even if we dared try, it might injure the tubes. Still I believe it's the only chance of salvation. It's the one substance on board, in any large quantity. What do you think?" There wasn't a sound as the minutes passed. Each man searched frantically for the slightest hope; searched for the _one_ chance in a thousand! Dick finally broke the silence. "What is _your_ plan, Peter? You must have thought of something?" "No, that's just the trouble. I thought that water might mix with the fuel, even fire with it. It was only a brain storm I'm afraid." After a moment Dick spoke again. "It _can't_ be! Since there is no other substance--_we must use water_! There has to be a way--and _we've got to find it_! We might as well use up the water and die of thirst, as to drift around in space until we starve to death, or die in the dive at Jupiter." Twice Mrs. Martin came down the ramp to take her husband to bed, but Dick sent her away. The men would stay there until they had found a solution--_they had to_! The fuel was fast disappearing! * * * * * Morquil still sat in the background. The other men from Jupiter had gone to their quarters. He could offer no suggestion, but listened carefully to every word they spoke. Finally he stood up. "I hope that you can forgive me. In the last three lixs I have regretted that I ever saw your earth. It were better that my people die, than for us to carry people from a happy planet to die in space--because of our stupidity. We are no better than children without cares or worries. The men of the crew realized the risk, before they left the domes--but it is not your fault!"