Chip was bolstered, too, by one bit of knowledge Blacky Jordan did not possess: that the ekalastron mine was already occupied by a strongly armed corps of the Uranus Space Control. But it would not do to reveal this now. Neither would it do to pledge false allegiance nor proffer blunt refusal. The only other alternative was to stall for time. This Chip did. He stroked his jaw thoughtfully.
"This is pretty sudden," he hesitated. "I hardly know what to say, Jordan. Could I have a little while to think it over?"
Jordan rose from his desk with the toothy grin of one who sees his plan already half accomplished.
"Sure, bucko! Take all the time you want. Take a half an hour if you like. I got a few things to do, anyhow. I'll just roll along and take care of them. You stay here and make up your
