They sat silently, watching the Twin climb rapidly toward the zenith. Dust spurted in the mine pits as a few tiny meteors plunged down on the asteroid.
“If one of those hit us, it would be over in a minute,” observed Vernon.
“Look!” screamed Vince. “The Twin is falling!”
Vernon jerked his head upward.
The Twin was falling! Falling with a rotary motion around the axis of its length. Even as he watched it seemed to draw closer!
“A meteor,” exclaimed Vince, his voice tense, “a large meteor. Struck it and threw it out of its orbit! That’s the only thing that can account for it.”
“It is bringing the Space Pup back to us!” said his brother.
“It will crush the Space Pup” declared Vince. “Likely smash us, too. It will land smack on top of us.”
“It won’t hurt the Space Pup” argued Vernon. See, it is rotating. The top will be turned toward us when it strikes. The ship will be on top. It will be safe!”
“By God, you’re right,” yelled Vince. “Here kid, we’re getting out of here! Grab a handful of rocks and jump as you’ve never jumped before! At an angle to carry you out over the edge.”