"But ... but your planet is unfamiliar to me; I do not know your suns by the names you have given them. Your system lies just where in relation to the galactic center? How many miles ... or light years ... are we from my native Earth?"
The old man looked at him oddly for a moment, then:
"We are no miles from your Earth, my friend," he announced quietly, "and the distance may be measured in seconds ... not light-years."
Dirk stared, bewilderment in his eyes.
"I ... I'm afraid I don't understand, sir. I hope you will forgive me. Perhaps you are joking—?"
"It is no jest, my boy, but the simple truth. Earth and Nadron are ... but, stay! Let me prove my point otherwise. Has it not occurred to you to wonder that we, the people of a foreign world, know your language?"
Dirk said wonderingly, "Why ... why, that's right; you do! But how—?"
"Because," explained the elder, "we have listened to it being spoken for many, many years. Over our visors we have both heard and watched you on your neighboring world."
"Neighboring world?"
"How came you here?" asked the old man. "What means of propulsion brought you hither?"