A STRAINED ASSEMBLAGE awaited his return to the mess hall. As he entered the room all conversation ended abruptly; an almost audible silence fell upon the group of passengers. Lemming half rose from his seat, opened his mouth as though to say something, closed it again, his lips a white slit against the green pallor of his cheeks. Lady Alice’s eyes were tense, expectant. Captain Smith moved forward to meet him. The ex-space officer’s heavy frame was poised and ready; there was a note of subdued eagerness in his voice. He said stridently, “Well, Lieutenant—?”
Dan Mallory’s patience with the older man was quite exhausted. He said curtly, but in a voice that did not reach the ears of the others, “Captain, I must remind you that you have no authority whatsoever on this ship! I appreciate your
