Gary hesitated, eyeing the foreigner uncertainly.
"I—I'm not quite sure, sir—"
"Perhaps," suggested Dr. Anjers, "there is something the young man would prefer to tell you in private?"
Dr. Bryant shook his head impatiently.
"Of course not, Dr. Anjers. Come, Gary ... we aren't diplomats, that we should keep secrets from one another. We are all brother scientists. The Foundation has asked Doctor Anjers to help tabulate the results of your findings. He is an outstanding authority on cosmic radiation—"
"I know," said Gary. "Sorry, Doctor. Afraid I'm a bit jittery. No offense meant."
The cherubic Eurasian nodded. He spoke with a hint of an accent. "And none taken, my boy. And now—?"
Gary glanced around the room swiftly. To be frank, he himself could not explain his secretive impulse. He knew he bore a vital message, one so important that it must never lightly be revealed, but in this snug group all were friends and allies. And he could not face the dread facts alone.
He drew a deep breath, groped in his portfolio, and drew forth a packet of photographic prints.
"As you all know," he said, "our expedition went to Luna to take pictures of the recent Venusian transit.[1] It is unnecessary to point out to you the desirability of the moon as an observational site. Its lack of atmosphere, cloudless skies, absence of dust particles, offer ideal conditions for astronomical photography.