"Put me down, you oversized Venusian jerk," said Roger, almost good-naturedly. Astro released the smaller cadet and faced him.
"Well, hot-shot, I promised you something when I got back, didn't I?"
"Make it later, will you, and I'll be glad to oblige." He walked toward the door. "I've got to go down and collect a bet."
"What bet?" asked Astro.
"With Tony Richards."
"But I thought you were afraid to bet on me!"
"Not at all, Astro. I just wanted to make you mad enough to ensure my winning."
"That sounds like you were more worried about your bet than you were about Astro passing," snapped Tom.
"You're exactly right, spaceboy," purred Roger, standing in the doorway.