"We would like to know, sir, under what article of the space code was
Sergeant Marshall sentenced to the brig?"

Vidac's eyes sharpened. He spoke quickly and crisply. "I suspected that
there was some connection between Marshall looking in the log and your
coming here to see me. I don't know what you have in mind, Corbett, but
I'm going to lay it on the line. This is the last time you will question
my authority. From this moment on, and until you are released from my
jurisdiction, _I_ am the space code. Do I make myself clear?"

"Very clear, sir," said Tom tightly. "Then will the lieutenant governor
please put in writing any further orders he might have for us?"

"I will not!" snarled Vidac. "But I tell you what I will do. I'll
confine you to your quarters for ten days for that impertinent request!
And if I so much as see your noses outside your quarters, I'll really
get tough! Dismissed!"

[Illustration]




CHAPTER 8


"This is highly irregular, Logan," said Vidac to the Venusian farmer,
"but I guess you can see the cadets. Perhaps a little advice from you
will help them mend their ways."