"No, sir."
"How about you, Webster?"
"No, sir," said Webster, turning around. "But they're getting something across. There's got to be something there."
"Yes, but even our spectroscopes didn't show anything. I don't know. This beats me." He shook his head. "Radio Earth and tell them about it."
Webster did so. He handed Earth's answer to Admiral Cantwell. He grunted when he read it.
"Return to Earth, huh. This has been some mission. Well, we've got to obey it. Take her home."
Webster gave a last try for the answer. His mighty body was rigid with the tension he was under. But it wouldn't come. He was beaten. He gave a big sigh and sat back and relaxed as the Sirius swung around toward Earth.
Then it hit him. He had it. He leaped up with a yell that shook the panelboards. The Admiral and Second jumped a foot in the air looking wildly around.
"I know how to get through," shouted Webster. "Admiral," he calmed down a little, "Let me have the other gig. I'll take it down. I can get through. I know...." He broke off and headed for the door.
"Come back here," roared the Admiral. "Dammit, man, you scared ten years off me. Settle down now. Tell me what's this all about?"