"Carey Rockwell - Tom Corbett Space Cadet 02 - Danger in Deep Space" - читать интересную книгу автора (Rockwell Carey)

reflector.
"You think we'll ever go as far into the deep with a rocket ship as we can see with the
big eye?" he asked.
"I dunno," replied Roger. "That thing can penetrate other star systems in our galaxy. And
that's a long way off!"
"Nearest thing to us is Alpha Centauri in our own galaxy, and that's twenty-three and a
half million million miles away," commented Astro.
"That's not so far," argued Tom. "Only a few months ago the Solar Alliance sent out a
scientific exploration to take a look at that baby."
"Musta been some hop," commented Roger.
 "Hey!" cried Tom suddenly. "There's Alfie Higgins!" He pointed in the direction of
another slidewalk moving at right angles to their own. The cadet that he singled out on the
slidewalk was so thin and small he looked emaciated. He wore glasses and at the moment
was absorbed in a paper he held in his hand.
"Well, what do you know!" cried Astro. "The Brain!"
Roger punched Astro in the mid-section. "If you were as smart as he is, you big grease
monkey, you'd be O.K."
"Nah!" replied Astro. "If I was as smart as Alfie, I'd be scared. And besides, what do I
need to be smart for? I've got you, haven't I?"
When they drew near the other slidewalk, the three members of the Polaris unit skipped
lightly over and jostled their way past other riders to the slightly built cadet.
"Alfie!" Tom yelled and slapped the cadet on the back. Alfie turned, his glasses
knocked askew by Tom's blow, and eyed the three Polaris members calmly.
"It gives me great pleasure to view your countenances again, Cadets Corbett, Manning,
and Astro," he said solemnly, nodding to each one.
Astro twisted his face into a grimace. "What'd he say, Roger?"
"He's happy to see you," Roger translated.
"Well, in that case," beamed Astro, "I'm happy to see you too, Alfie!"
"What's the latest space dope around the Academy, Alfie?" asked Tom. "What's this?"
he indicated the paper in Alfie's hand.
"By the sheerest of coincidences I happen to have a copy of your new assignment!"
replied Alfie.
Tom, Roger, and Astro looked at each other in surprise.
"Well, come on, spaceman," urged Roger. "Give us the inside info. Where are we
going?"
Alfie tucked the paper in his inside pocket and faced Roger. He cleared his throat and
spoke in measured tones. "Manning, I have high regard for your personality, your
capabilities, and your knowledge, all of which makes you an outstanding cadet. But even
you know that I occupy a position of trust as cadet courier for Commander Walters and the
administrative staff. I am not at liberty to mention anything that I would have occasion to
observe while in the presence of Commander Walters or the staff. Therefore, you will please
refrain from questioning me any further regarding the contents of these papers!"
Roger's jaw dropped. "Why, you human calculator, you were the one who brought it up in
the first place! I oughta knock off that big head of yours!"
Tom and Astro laughed.
"Lay off, Roger," said Tom. "You ought to know Alfie couldn't talk if he wanted to! We'll
just have to wait until Captain Strong is ready to tell us what our next assignment will be!"
By this time the slidewalk had carried them to the front of the main dormitory, and the
wide doors were crowded with members of the Space Academy Corps heading in for the
evening meal. From all corners of the quadrangle, the slidewalks carried Earthworms in their