On the Trail of the Space Pirates_ A Tom Corbett Space Cadet Adventure - Carey Rockwell [483]
At this, Strong jumped to his feet. "That's the most fantastic thing I've ever heard, Corbett!" he snapped. "What kind of proof do you have?"
"None, sir," replied Tom. "The only reason I came here tonight is to ask you to help me get that proof."
When Strong was silent, shaking his head, Tom tried again.
"Sir, you do believe me, don't you?" asked the boy with a sinking feeling in his heart. "What about all the things that have happened to me and to Roger and Astro?"
"I can explain them away just as easily as you can explain your theory," replied Strong. He walked over and patted the cadet on the shoulder sympathetically. "I'm sorry, Tom," he said gently. "Your story is just too fantastic and you haven't even the slightest shred of evidence. Just a few words an unreliable witness said under duress."
"I realize that, sir," replied the cadet. "But don't you see? This is the only way to clear my name."
Strong turned to the window, looked out thoughtfully for a moment, and then turned back to the boy. "How do you think I can help you?" he said, a more sympathetic note in his voice.
His eyes bright with hope again, Tom spoke quickly and eagerly. The Solar Guard captain calmly packed his pipe and lighted it, stopping the boy now and then to ask a question. Finally, when Tom was finished, Strong nodded and silently puffed at his pipe.
"Well, sir?" asked Tom eagerly.
"I don't know, Tom," replied Strong. "It's a pretty wild idea. And it leaves me way out on a limb."
"Only if we fail, sir," said Tom.
"Which is more than likely," Strong commented dryly.
"Captain Strong," said Tom, "if you really don't think it can work, then I suggest that you call the guard and turn me in. I've put you in enough trouble already." Tom moved to the door.
"Stop playing the hero, Corbett," said Strong. "I didn't say I wouldn't help you. But we have to think this thing out."
Tom sat down, eying Strong hopefully.
"Now, let me get this straight," said Strong. "First you want me to help Astro and Roger escape from the work gang. All right, that may work easily enough. But why?"
"So we can get aboard the projectile ship and go through her tests with her."
"I suppose you've heard that Connel, Professor Hemmingwell, and Dave Barret are going to take her up."
"Yes, sir," Tom replied, grinning. "That's why I want to go along. To make sure no more accidents happen."
"I could send a squad of Space Marines for that kind of job," mused Strong.
"But that would alert Barret," protested Tom. "He might not try anything. If he doesn't suspect he's being watched, we may be able to catch him in the act. And he certainly wouldn't think the three of us are aboard."
"Hum. Maybe you're right," nodded Strong. "Then after I get you three on the ship, I'm supposed to spend my time trailing your prize suspect, right?"
"Yes, sir," nodded the young cadet.
"I'll have to give it consideration, Tom," said Strong after a momentary pause. "As much as I admire your plan and as much as I want to help you, this places me in a highly untenable position. Have you stopped to think what would happen to me if it were ever known that I had sheltered you here in my quarters and aided in the escape of two convicted cadets from the work gang?"
"Yes, sir," replied Tom soberly. "And—all I can say is I'll do whatever you think is best."
"Well, get some sleep now," sighed Strong. "I've got to make a tour of the guard."
Without another word, Tom went into Captain Strong's bedroom and fell asleep thirty seconds after his head hit the pillow. His last waking thought was that if his plan had any merit Captain Strong would help him.
Steve Strong did not leave his quarters immediately. He sat in the easy chair and puffed thoughtfully on his pipe until there was nothing left in the burnt and charred bowl. Then he rose and left the room to make his rounds. He walked slowly through