[Transcriber Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction August 1954. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] "Space life expectancy has been increased to twenty-five months and six days," said Marlowe, the training director. "That's a gain of a full month." Millions of miles from Earth, Ethan also looked discontentedly proud. "A mighty healthy-looking boy," he declared. Demarest bent a paperweight ship until it snap

"There's no one here," said the robot blocking the door. "We'll wait." Amantha tried to go inside. The robot wouldn't move. It was dark and windy and, from the steps, they could see lights of houses glowing around them. Not many—it was near the edge of the little town. Farther away, over the hill, the ship nestled safely in a valley. No one had seen them land. They were sure of it. Ethan removed his hat and his bent shoulders straightened. He seemed to grow taller. "Rain," he said in awe. "Thirt