"Hiya, Tom," greeted the boy enthusiastically.
Tom grinned his welcome. He and Roger and Astro had met the youngster on several of their trips to the village and had become great friends. They always had to tell him stories about the Cadet Corps.
"How did you know I was here, Tiny?" asked Tom.
"I followed you from the monorail station," replied the boy. "You couldn't fool me in those civvies. Where's your uniform?"
"Never mind that now," said Tom, kneeling before him. "Look, Tiny, can you keep a secret?"
"Sure!" said the boy gleefully. "Sure I can, Tom."
"Well, I'm on a secret assignment, see?" whispered the cadet with a conspiratorial air. "And I need someone like you to help me. But you can't tell anyone I'm here!"
"Sure, I understand, Tom. Whatcha want me to do?"
"Go to the Academy and find Astro and Roger. Tell them to come here at nine o'clock tonight. But remember, don't talk to anyone else!"
"O.K.!" replied the youngster. "I getcha! You going to catch spies, Tom?"