The operator sat down at his instruments, threw in a switch and spoke into a microphone.
"Argus calling Earth. Argus calling Earth. Argus calling Earth. Come in Earth."
Silence!
Matt's jaw shut with a click. The operator tried again and again, but without success. He was still trying when the director of the expedition burst into the radio shack, followed closely by the captain.
"What interrupted the broadcast, Sparks?" the director burst out.
The operator shrugged. "There's nothing wrong with our instruments. But I can't raise a peep from Earth."
The captain said, "Um. Keep trying."
"Yes, sir."
"And report at once as soon as you establish contact."