"We've explored everything but the super-short waves," he sighed. "I'll have to get equipment from the laboratories before we start on those."
June nodded from where she perched on a high stool across the table. But Manthis did not hear. He was making delicate adjustments on his receiving set and listening with rapt attention.
"I've got something," he cried. "Jack. June. Plug in on my panel. Someone is talking. It's very loud. Must be close."
Instantly the others did as he ordered, but were able to catch only the last inflections of a ringing voice. Then silence settled once more.
"What did he say," the youngsters cried in one breath.
"Couldn't understand. Some foreign language." The chemist was furious with disappointment. "But I'd recognize that voice among a thousand. We must get in touch with him. Perhaps he can help us. God knows we need assistance. Quick, Jack. You're an expert. See if you can pick up a reply."
Baron leaned over his instruments, heart thumping. The dreadful loneliness against which he had been fighting was broken. Others were alive!
Minutes passed and the evening light died away. They were too excited to strike a light. Shadows crept out of the corners and surrounded them. At last a faint voice grew in their ears. But again the words were unintelligible.
"Sounds a little like Greek," puzzled the girl, "but it isn't."
Baron adjusted the direction finder and made scribbled calculations.