As I sped through the air the screeching of the bullets around me convinced me
that only by a miracle could I escape, but the die was cast, and throwing on
full speed I raced a straight course toward Helium.
Gradually I left my pursuers further and further behind, and I was just
congratulating myself on my lucky escape, when a well-directed shot from the
cruiser exploded at the prow of my little craft. The concussion nearly capsized
her, and with a sickening plunge she hurtled downward through
