explain our plans to you. I know I can convince you that we can mine the Sun without the slightest danger of disaster."

"If that's so," Carlin demanded skeptically, "why didn't you convince the Control Council of that, and get permission for Sun-mining instead of trying to do all this in secret?"

"Carlin, I did try to convince the Council," Jonny Land declared. "I made one petition to them after another, giving them full details of my plan. But Council isn't composed of engineers. And the popular prejudice against Sun-mining, due to those past disasters, is so strong that Council refused us permission to make the attempt."

"That's why Ross Floring and the others down at Control Operations watch my brothers so closely, Laird," Marn added quickly. "They know about our petitions, and Floring suspects that Jonny is going to try this thing anyway."

It all fitted together logically, Carlin had to admit. Yet he still stood irresolute, the atom-gun in his hand.

"Here's a proposition, Carlin," said Jonny. "I'll explain every detail of our plan to you in the morning. If you don't admit then that the plan's completely without danger of disaster, I'll let you go and tell everything to Floring. I give you my word on it."

Carlin looked at him doubtfully. "Jonny, you'd break your word as cheerfully as your neck to carry out your purpose for Earth."

Jonny Land grinned crookedly. "That's true. But on the other hand, I'm still hoping for your help in this project. That's why I want to convince you, and that's the best guarantee I can give you."

Carlin shrugged, but he slowly lowered the weapon.

"I can tell you right now that I'll have no part in any such illegal venture," he said flatly. "But I'm willing to hear your explanation."

"Well," Jonny said, with a tired sigh, "we've had enough dramatics for one evening. Harb, lock up the workshop and we'll all turn in for tonight."

Carlin looked a little awkwardly at Marn as he handed her back the atom-pistol.

"I'm sorry if I appear ungrateful for your hospitality," he told her. "It's just that I can't stand by and do nothing if a crazy attempt threatens to bring on catastrophe."

"I know," Marn said 

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