"What do you mean?" asked Tom.

"I just rejected a real low-down space crawler--a guy named Tad
Winters."

"Yes?" Tom was alert, anticipating Roger's answer.

"He went to Vidac and came back later with his application approved."

Tom slammed his fist on the desk. "That proves it! Governor Hardy has to
be told what's going on!" He flipped on the teleceiver near by and asked
the central communications operator to connect him with the governor's
office. In a moment the face of Christopher Hardy sharpened into focus
on the screen.

"What is it, Corbett?" asked the governor.

"I'd like to talk to you, sir, if I may. Something's just come up and
I'm not sure what to do."

"Well, whatever it is, I'm sure Governor Vidac will be able to take care
of it. Speak to him."

Tom gulped and glanced at Roger. "But, sir," he stammered,
"it's--it's--"

"It's what, Corbett? Hurry, lad! I haven't got all day."

"What I have to say is--is--about the lieutenant governor, sir," Tom