"I'd like to bet all the galley demerits we have in 77-K against yours."
"With Astro on our team?" complained Roger.
"What's the matter with Astro?" asked Richards. "From what I hear, he's
hot stuff!" It wasn't a compliment, but a sharp dig made with a sly
smile. Astro balled his huge hands into fists.
"Astro," said Roger, "is the type that can smell out trouble on any
power deck. But today he came down with a cold. No, I'm afraid it's no
bet, Richards."
"I'll give you two to one," Richards offered.
"Nothing doing," replied Roger. "Not even at five to one. Not with
Astro."
Richards grinned, nodded and disappeared.
Roger turned to face the hard stare of Tom.
"That was the dirtiest sellout I've ever heard, Manning," Tom growled.
"Sorry, Corbett," said Roger. "I only bet on sure things."
"That's O.K. with me, Manning," said Astro, "but I'm afraid you sold
yourself a hot rocket, because I'm going to pass!"
"Who are you kidding?" Roger laughed and sprawled on his bunk.
Astro took a quick step forward, his fists clenched, his face a mask of
burning anger, but Tom quickly jumped in front of him.
"You'll be late for the exam, Astro!" he shouted. "Get going or it'll
count against your mark!"
"Huh. What's a few points more or less when you're going to fail
anyway," snorted Roger from the bunk.
Again, Astro started to lunge forward and Tom braced himself against the
Venusian's charge, but suddenly the burly cadet stopped.
Pages:
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84