But somehow Mr. Wade had vanished. Toward the ship.
Afterward, Colonel Travers lingered to shake hands all around.
"I commend you both," he said, "for the fine spirit you have shown; the fine work you've done in making Eros a member of the Solar family. You prove what I have always claimed—that the pioneer spirit in Man is not dead, nor will it ever die so long as there remain new frontiers to conquer.
"Well, I must go now. But I'll stop back by here on my next swing around the Belt. Perhaps a year from now, perhaps a little less. I'll bring the things you ask for. A new motor, some cloth, silverware—I have your list."
"Don't forget the books," said Pop.
"I won't." The Captain made a note.
"And the seeds." That was Old Man Wilkes.
"No. I'll bring them."
"And bring," said Moira, "a teething ring."