"We hope."
Gant nodded thoughtfully. "Now," he said, "this being an emergency, I'll open their course-plan so that I can direct you through space. Don't turn off the viewpanel, Dusty. I'll be back in a few minutes."
IX
As soon as Gant Nerley's face disappeared from the viewpanel, Dusty turned to face Barbara. She was standing far to one side, out of range of the viewpanel, and stifling a giggle. She let it bubble through her fingers as soon as Dusty caught her eye.
"Funny as hell," he said. "Me—I'm hysterical."
Barbara sobered immediately. "Honest, Dusty. I wasn't laughing at you. I was laughing with you."
"Why?" he demanded sharply.
"Because you really fooled that bird. Dusty Britton of The Space Patrol. Yes, I can navigate a ship."
"I'm going to. Want out?"