Preparations for the invasion of Ganymede went forward during the next
six sleeping periods. The Dohlmites had been unsuccessful in their
investigation, and had withdrawn behind their force wall, transmitting
their orders through the agents of the Venusian Export Lines.
Then the date of sailing was set. Norman received his orders to report
aboard the _Rocket_ within twenty-four hours.
He paced back and forth across the living-room of his apartment. Even
if the blight did sweep the Dohlmites, he thought, with the Sinn
Feiners away on Ganymede they wouldn't be able to take advantage of
their opportunity.
Jennifer entered from the bedroom, glanced at him worriedly, said,
"Norman, relax or you'll have a nervous breakdown."
He flung himself on the couch. "If only we knew what's happening behind
the force wall. The Dohlmites are taking this so queerly. I haven't
seen one on the streets for days."
The buzzer announced someone at the door. He leaped to his feet,
answered it anxiously. Koal came inside. There was a flicker of triumph
in the Martian's eyes.
"The sailing," he announced, "has been indefinitely postponed!"
Norman sank on the couch, only to spring up again.
"Something's happened on the hill!"