Youth
Public Domain
Chapter 6
Red and Slim had trailed their elders with the experience of youth, aided by the absorption and anxiety of their fathers. Their view of the final object of the search was somewhat obscured by the underbrush behind which they remained.
Red said, “Holy Smokes. Look at that. It’s all shiny silver or something.”
But it was Slim who was really excited. He caught at the other. “I know what this is. It’s a space-ship. That must be why my father came here. He’s one of the biggest astronomers in the world and your father would have to call him if a space-ship landed on his estate.”
“What are you talking about? Dad didn’t even know that thing was there. He only came here because I told him I heard the thunder from here. Besides, there isn’t any such thing as a space-ship.”
“Sure, there is. Look at it. See those round things. They are ports. And you can see the rocket tubes.”
“How do you know so much?”
Slim was flushed. He said, “I read about them. My father has books about them. Old books. From Beforethewars.”
“Huh. Now I know you’re making it up. Books from Beforethewars!”
“My father has to have them. He teaches at the University. It’s his job.”
His voice had risen and Red had to pull at him. “You want them to hear us?” he whispered indignantly.
“Well, it is, too, a space-ship.”
“Look here, Slim, you mean that’s a ship from another world.”
“It’s got to be. Look at my father going round and round it. He wouldn’t be so interested if it was anything else.”
“Other worlds! Where are there other worlds?”
“Everywhere. How about the planets? They’re worlds just like ours, some of them. And other stars probably have planets. There’s probably zillions of planets.”
Red felt outweighed and outnumbered. He muttered, “You’re crazy!”
“All right, then. I’ll show you.”
“Hey! Where are you going?”
“Down there. I’m going to ask my father. I suppose you’ll believe it if he tells you. I suppose you’ll believe a Professor of Astronomy knows what--”
He had scrambled upright.
Red said, “Hey. You don’t want them to see us. We’re not supposed to be here. Do you want them to start asking questions and find out about our animals?”
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