"Yes," replied the shorter of the two, as they stopped in front of Astro, "no trouble tonight."
"Well, there's trouble now!" growled Astro. He brought up the blaster and cocked it. "Make one wrong move, and you're dead little space birds! Get over there and open that door!"
Stunned, both men turned to the door without a protest and Astro took their guns. "Open up!" he growled.
The men slid the heavy bar back and pushed the door open.
"Get inside!" ordered Astro. The two men stumbled inside. Astro stepped to the door. "Tom! Major!"
There was a cry of joy from the blackness within and Astro recognized Tom.
"Astro!" roared Connel, rushing up. "What in the stars—?"
"Can't talk now," said Astro. "Here. Take these blasters and then tie these two up. Close the door, but leave it open a crack. We can talk while I stay outside and keep watch. If there isn't a guard out here, it might mean trouble."
"Right," said Connel. He took the blasters, tossing one over to Tom. "Blast it, I never felt anything so good in my life!" He closed the door, leaving it open an inch.
"Why is Roger in the hospital?" asked Astro quickly.