CHAPTER 18


Governor Hardy was not to be found. Strong made inquiries around the
Administration Building and among the colonists but he could find no
trace of the governor. The only thing Strong learned was that Hardy had
spent the last two weeks wandering around in the outlying wilderness
areas of the satellite, alone, apparently searching for something. But
the Solar Guard captain realized that it would be a waste of time to
race around the planet searching aimlessly for the governor. He became
more and more convinced that Hardy was hiding. His suspicions were
increased when he found Vidac waiting for him in the deserted lobby of
the Administration Building with a warrant for his arrest. The warrant
had been signed by Hardy.

"Before I place myself in your hands," said Strong, "I want to see the
governor."

"Considering that you committed a crime by aiding the escape of the
Space Cadets," said Vidac, "that will not be possible."

"I demand to see the governor!"

Vidac turned to Winters who was standing by his side. "Take him," he
ordered.

Winters whipped out his paralo-ray gun, and before he could move, a
paralyzing charge froze the Solar Guard captain in his tracks.