We came to the twin doors of A22 and A20. Both were closed. Dr. Frank
was in advance of Snap and me now. He paused at the sound of Captain
Carter's voice behind us.
"Was it from in there? Wait a moment!"
Carter dashed up. He had a large heat-ray projector in his hand. He
shoved us aside. "Let me in first. Is the door sealed? Gregg, keep
those passengers back!"
The door was not sealed. Carter burst into the room. I heard him gasp,
"Good God!"
Snap and I shoved back three or four passengers. And in that instant
Dr. Frank had been in the room and out again.
"There's been an accident! Get back, Gregg! Snap, help me keep the
crowd away." He shoved me forcibly.
From within, Carter was shouting, "Keep them out! Where are you,
Frank? Come back here! Send a flash for Balch!"
Dr. Frank went back into the room and banged the cabin door upon Snap
and me. I was unarmed. Weapon in hand, Snap forced the panic-stricken
passengers back to their rooms.
Snap reassured them glibly; but he knew no more about the facts than
I. Moa, with a nightrobe drawn tight around her thin, tall figure,
edged up to me.
"What has happened, _Set_ Haljan?"