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“Because,” Neptune replied, “you asked it with an air that told Vega you had finally reached a point where she was defeated. You had the pleasant aspect of an intelligent victor. In reality, we have simply not come to the sun on your tour as yet. Do not feel slighted on that account. Your chance to see it will come. For the time being, get on with the present things, Adam, and trust in us.” “With Neptune’s words the remaining half hour was spent in social talk, and getting better acquainted. When Saturn arose to leave, the rest of his party followed suit graciously’, and soon Launie and I were once more alone,” Adam said. “Believe me, Orfeo, I felt in love up to the zenith. It was romantic love, to be sure, but wholesome. She reveled in her own beauty, and was pleased with her success in molding my emotions thus far. At times I felt she was more like a distant relative to me than someone I wanted as my own.” We looked up to see the early desert dawn beginning to light the open spaces. Adam seemed energetic in spite of his narration throughout the night. I was not feeling tired, either. “Well,” he suggested, “let’s continue this tonight. Meantime, we should both get some sleep during the day. It is Saturday, and you do not go to work. Are there any questions in your mind before I leave?” “Yes,” I replied. “You said the lump under your ear was gone after you had taken the drink, when Saturn examined it. Yet I see wa. wood » it there. It is small, but present, nevertheless.” “I know it is there, all right, but if you feel it you will find that it is no longer hard, but is very soft. The malignancy was decidedly destroyed in the area. The slight swelling left has merely flared up somewhat, that is all. Remember, they would not cure me, though they could have easily. That would be interfering with earth’s own evolution, and they never would risk it.” “But, Adam,” I rejoined, “they added one month to your lifetime. That is as much interference as if they had taken added month to one 103 LANDING ABOARD ANDROMEDA