Dr. Bryant stared.
"But this is incredible, Gary! If the comet in your pictures were nearing our galaxy—as it undoubtedly was—it should at all times exhibit a violet shift. But, instead, it shows here a red shift up to the moment of its departure from its normal course—and thereafter a violet shift!"
And he looked at Lane, wide-eyed and wondering. Dr. Anjers also studied the younger scientist with respect.
Asked the Eurasian, "And the conclusion you draw, my young friend?"
"There is," said Gary seriously, "but one conclusion possible. Science has erred for almost three centuries. Our universe is not expanding. All other galaxies are not racing headlong from our own. The Greater Universe is steadfast and secure. It is only our little solar galaxy which moves. And we—are contracting!"
CHAPTER II
The Deadly Radiation
Nora Powell was frankly out of her depth. It showed in her eyes, and in the petulant protrusion of her lower lip. She asked, cool gaze studying her new superior, "Would you be kind enough to explain that more fully, Dr. Lane?"
Gary needed no urging. It was this theory which was responsible for his unusual curtness, for his irate explosion at the rocketdrome, for the preoccupation that had marked his return flight from Luna to Earth.
He wanted most desperately to convince his superior, Dr. Bryant, and all his other associates, that this startling discovery was not lightly to be dismissed.