And then suddenly Astro let out a roar. "Tom, the Geiger counter is going wild!"
"Never mind that now," answered Tom. "Sound off, Roger!" he yelled.
"Ship moving astern—one thousand feet a second—two thousand—four thousand—"
"I'm going to let her build to ten, Roger," yelled Tom. "We've only got one chance and we might as well make it a good one!"
"Six thousand!" yelled Roger. "Seven thousand!"
"Astro," bellowed Tom, "stand by to fire stern rockets!"
"Ready, Tom," was Astro's reply.
"Eight thousand," warned Roger. "Spaceman's luck, fellas!"
The silver ship moved through space away from the Polaris.
"Nine thousand," reported Roger. "And, Astro, I really love ya!"