"Here he comes now," said Connel.
They both watched Barret stride toward them, his arms loaded with gear.
"This is the stuff I told you about, Professor," he said as Hemmingwell looked at it curiously.
"What stuff?" asked Connel.
"Portable heaters for the crew's space suits, just in case—" Barret paused meaningfully.
"In case of what?" growled Connel.
"Why, ask them!" replied Barret, gesturing toward the group of civilian crewmen who had been selected for the test flight of the spaceship.
Connel turned to look at them, then back at Barret. "Ask them what?" he barked.
"How they feel about making this flight," said Barret.
Connel scowled and turned to the men. "Is there anything to what he says?" he demanded.