Adventures in the Far Future & Tales of Outer Space — page 128: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

crackled as the ship settled to the ground. Brent punched the exit-port speaker button and ordered: “Crew to ground, carrying all bodies of crew members.” A light glowed on the panel. “Exit Port Open.” Kit’s father had done that. Only moments later Harlow’s voice came: “Crew all aground.” The “Exit Port Open” light faded. Brent gave the interplanetary drive his attention. The Deli/ah lifted once more. In seconds the blue sky turned purplish. Presently it was black, with many stars. In half an hour Brent turned off the drive. The Delilah floated on. He stared out the ports. The local sun was definitely sol-type and there were other planets. He used the main telescope. He said briefly: “That one Is inhabited. Ice caps and all the rest. Some oceans.” He began to operate the gyro controls to turn the ship. All the multitude of stars about the Deli/ah seemed to turn in a stately maneuver. He centered the planet. Then he carefully placed it a trifle away from the crosshairs of the scope. He reached over and barely touched the overdrive. Space swirled and swirled again. They were in perfect landing position. He sent the ship toward the second planet. “Well let the passengers off here,” he said. “It’s inhabited and they’ll get along all right. But | don’t get off. After all, the Profession’s no advantage. It’s an obligation. According to the law I’m a pirate for mutinying against the lawful Skipper of this ship, and of course it’s a capital offense to maroon anybody, as | just did to the survivors of the crew. I’m liable to prosecution for several murders, mutiny in Space, marooning, piracy ... and when the passengers tell their side of the story—l’m going to take the ship and go on off.”. “| think that’s the right thing,” said Kit with conviction. “You and your father will get word to Earth that there’s almost certainly a matter-transmitter on Khem IV, and that CORniclooo SS CO