“Yes, sir,” Randy answered. “It’s the Number Five Syrtis Major Expedition.”
Ted was watching his father as he asked the question. A cold, unexplainable feeling coursed through him. When Randy replied, Dr. Kenton’s face suddenly paled, and he turned away. Ted felt a stab of dread. Had something happened to the No. 5 Expedition? What a terrible tragedy for Randy if this were so.
“I sure miss Pops,” Randy said softly, a dreamy look on his face. “I haven’t seen him for two years. We had lots of fun together. He was teaching me to play baseball—helping me develop a curve.”
This was the most Randy had ever said at one time, and the Kentons listened raptly. Ted could see that his father was disturbed over Randy’s case. He took out his handkerchief and blew his nose hard.
“Randy, how would you like to go to Mars with us?” Dr. Kenton asked presently.
Ted saw the sunshine of joy flare up in the boy’s face. “C—could I?” he asked. “Really?”
“Of course,” the scientist said. “We’d be glad to have you, wouldn’t we, Mom?”
Mrs. Kenton smiled softly at the boy. “We certainly would, Randy.”
Randy needed no further urging. First he checked with his guardian, Mr. Collins, who came to see Dr. Kenton. Mr. Collins was a husky, friendly person. Randy was off packing as the men talked in the presence of the other Kentons.
“I think it would be the best thing in the world for the boy,” Mr. Collins said thoughtfully. “The Fifth Expedition was given up for lost about a week ago. I’ve kept it from Randy all this time, hoping that the lost explorers would turn up. But they never have.”