CHAPTER 13

"Any report from the search squadrons yet, Steve?" asked Commander Walters. "No, sir," replied Captain Strong. "We're concentrating on the asteroid belt, but so far we've drawn a blank." "Well, keep trying and let me know the minute something turns up," said Walters. "Yes, sir," said Strong, saluting his commanding officer as the elder spaceman left the room. He turned back to a large desk in the center of the room where Roger Manning was busy noting figures on a large chart, showing the areas already covered and l…