“I know that, but how can we get them to believe us? I don’t think they’d even consider adoption at this time, and I think Captain Eaton must feel that way too.” Patch sighed. “Maybe later, then. Maybe someday Captain Eaton will want us back. Gosh, I hate to leave here, though.” “Life won’t be the same any more,” Garry said. “Nothing can ever be as exciting as the adventure we’ve had.” They heard footsteps approaching and looked up to see Captain Eaton coming their way. Missing now was his usual sunny smile. He carried a piece of paper in his hand. “Well, fellows, the answer has come,” Captain Eaton said, and his voice was laden with dejection. “I radioed that you two had been picked up, and they’ve already replied.” Garry hated to ask, “Wh—what did they say?” “Just as I suspected. We must return to the Von Braun Space Station.” “I was hoping we had a _few_ more days at least,” Patch groaned. “I think that the sooner we straighten this matter out, the better it will be for everyone,” Captain Eaton replied. “And another thing, you boys are still A.W.O.L. from the orphanage, you know. However, it will take a couple of days for us to work out a navigation plan and get a clearance approach to the station. Sorry, fellows. I wish you could have stayed on with us indefinitely, but....” As the captain’s voice trailed off, Garry had a flicker of hope. The captain was looking at them as if debating something in his mind. Would he bring up the subject of adoption? But, saying nothing further, the captain turned and began walking toward the outer door of the gym. Then he seemed to think of something else and came back. The boys held their breath hopefully. Would he mention adoption now? “There’s something else they told me that I thought you’d want to know,” the captain said. “I told them the story of your being stowaways accidentally, just as you told me. They checked back and found that the elevator attached to the _Orion_ was defective, as you said, and they are convinced of the truth of your story. As a result, Officer Mulroy has been cleared of any negligence.” “I’m glad to know that, Sir,” Garry said. Once more the captain left them, but this time for good. “Well, that’s that,” Patch commented unhappily. “No adoption. When he came back I thought he....” “I was hoping too,” Garry replied, “but we’ve got to go back, and that’s all there is to it.” Mac and Isaac came over, still breathing hard from their exercises. “We couldn’t help but overhear the bad news,” Mac said. “We’re going to hate to see you fellows go.” “Yes, that’s right,” Isaac added. “Thanks,” Garry replied. “We were getting to like this old ship.” “In a way I’d almost like to go with you,” Mac said, with a faraway look in his eyes.