The hulking cadet lunged at Manning, but Tom quickly stepped between them.
"Stow it, both of you!" he shouted. "We're in this room together, so we might as well make the best of it."
"Of course, Corbett—of course," replied Manning easily. He turned his back on Astro, who stood, feet wide apart, neck muscles tight and hands clenched in hamlike fists.
"One of these days I'll break you in two, Manning. I'll close that fast-talking mouth of yours for good!"
Astro's voice was a low growl. Roger stood near the window port and appeared to have forgotten the incident.
The light shining in from the hallway darkened, and Tom turned to see three blue-clad senior cadets arranged in a row just inside the door.
"Congratulations, gentlemen. You're now qualified cadets of Space Academy," said a redheaded lad about twenty-one. "My name is Al Dixon," he turned to his left and right, "and these are cadets Bill Houseman and Rodney Withrop."
"Hiya," replied Tom. "Glad to know you. I'm Tom Corbett. This is Astro—and Roger Manning."
Astro shook hands, the three senior cadets giving a long glance at the size of the hand he offered. Roger came forward smartly and shook hands with a smile.
"We're sorta like a committee," began Dixon. "We've come to sign you up for the Academy sports program."