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CHAPTER 8


"Tom! Tom!"

Connel knelt beside the limp form of the Space Cadet, calling
frantically, praying that the boy would be miraculously unhurt, yet
fearing the worst. A few moments later Tom groaned and opened his eyes.

"Did I--did I stop the truck?" he asked weakly.

"You sure did, son!" said Connel, breathing a sigh of relief. "And thank
the lucky spaceman's stars that you're all right. I don't see how you
got out alive."

Tom sat up. "I jumped from the jet car at the last minute," he said. "I
guess I must have bumped my head." He looked down at his torn uniform.
"Wow," he said. "Look at me."

"Don't worry about it." Connel laughed. He turned to Lieutenant Slick
who had just rushed up.

"Lieutenant, I want a complete check on the men who were standing
outside the fence when that truck ran away."