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."