The barrier dropped, and the celestial globe traced the last indication of the receding Orionad to the surface of the clear, glassite sphere.
Maynard touched his hat in salute to the Orionad's last glimmer and said: "Hi!"
IX.
The Asterite beat the Orionad to Terra by a few hours, and in sufficient time for the report of Maynard's trip to be reviewed by the Bureau of Ordnance. When they came to the incident of the painting, they laughed first, and then called Malcolm Greggor to ascertain the moment of the Orionad's landing. Armed with the information they went to the big landing area at Sahara Base, and waited for the big ship to touch.
Greggor was there; he arrived almost as they did.
"What's the meaning of this?" he stormed.
Patrol Marshal Mantley grinned at the irate man and answered: "Your erstwhile employee has demonstrated his sub-screen to excellent effect, Greggor. He hung a gallon of red paint on the Orionad without their notice."
"This is preposterous!" exploded Greggor.
"Not at all," said Mantley. "Sector Commander Maynard was merely bringing home the effectiveness of his own invention. If he can do that to the Orionad, no Martie can hope to best us. You must admit that he has something good."