But it was Slim who was really excited. He caught at the other. "I know what this is. It's a space-ship. That must be why my father came here. He's one of the biggest astronomers in the world and your father would have to call him if a space-ship landed on his estate."
"What are you talking about? Dad didn't even know that thing was there. He only came here because I told him I heard the thunder from here. Besides, there isn't any such thing as a space-ship."
"Sure, there is. Look at it. See those round things. They are ports. And you can see the rocket tubes."
"How do you know so much?"
Slim was flushed. He said, "I read about them. My father has books about them. Old books. From Beforethewars."
"Huh. Now I know you're making it up. Books from Beforethewars!"
"My father has to have them. He teaches at the University. It's his job."
His voice had risen and Red had to pull at him. "You want them to hear us?" he whispered indignantly.
"Well, it is, too, a space-ship."
"Look here, Slim, you mean that's a ship from another world."