Rocket Ship Galileo by Robert A. Heinlein Read Free Book Online

first at Cargraves, then anxiously at his father, and finally at his mother, who looked up from her knitting and smiled at him but did not speak. “What’s the verdict?” he inquired.
    His father put it bluntly. “Ross, you start in school in the fall. I cannot okay this scheme.”
    Ross’s jaw muscles twitched but he did not answer directly. Instead he said to Cargraves, “How about Art and Morrie?”
    “Art’s going. Morrie phoned me and said his father didn’t think much of it but would not forbid it.”
    “Does that make any difference, Dad?”
    “I’m afraid not. I don’t like to oppose you, son, but when it comes right down to cases, I am responsible for you until you are twenty-one. You’ve got to get your degree.”
    “But…but…look, Dad. A degree isn’t everything. If the trip is successful, I’ll be so famous that I won’t need a tag on my name to get a job. And if I don’t come back, I won’t need a degree!”
    Mr. Jenkins shook his head. “Ross, my mind is made up.”
    Cargraves could see that Ross was fighting to keep the tears back. Somehow it made him seem older, not younger. When he spoke again his voice was unsteady. “Dad?”
    “Yes, Ross?”
    “If I can’t go, may I at least go along to help with the rebuilding job? They’ll need help.”
    Cargraves looked at him with new interest. He had some comprehension of what the proposal would cost the boy in heartache and frustration.
    Mr. Jenkins looked surprised but answered quickly. “You may do that—up till the time school opens.”
    “Suppose they aren’t through by then? I wouldn’t want to walk out on them.”
    “Very well. If necessary you can start school the second semester. That is my last concession.” He turned to Doctor Cargraves. “I shall count on you for some tutoring.” Then to his son, “But that is the end of the matter, Ross. When you are twenty-one you can risk your neck in a space ship if you like. Frankly, I expect that there will still be plenty of chance for you to attempt the first flight to the moon if you are determined to try it.” He stood up.
    “Albert.”
    “Eh? Yes, Martha?” he turned deferentially to his wife.
    She laid her knitting in her lap and spoke emphatically. “Let him go, Albert!”
    “Eh? What do you mean, my dear?”
    “I mean, let the boy go to the moon, if he can.
    I know what I said, and you’ve put up a good argument for me. But I’ve listened and learned. Doctor Cargraves is right; I was wrong. We can’t expect to keep them in the nest.
    “Oh, I know what I said,” she went on, “but a mother is bound to cry a little. Just the same, this country was not built by people who were afraid to go. Ross’s great-great-grandfather crossed the mountains in a Conestoga wagon and homesteaded this place. He was nineteen, his bride was seventeen. It’s a matter of family record that their parents opposed the move.” She stirred suddenly and one of her knitting needles broke. “I would hate to think that I had let the blood run thin.” She got up and went quickly from the room.
    Mr. Jenkins’ shoulders sagged. “You have my permission, Ross,” he said presently. “Doctor, I wish you good luck. And now, if you will excuse me…” He followed his wife.

5 - GROWING PAINS
    GROWING PAINS
    • 5 •
    “ HOW MUCH FARTHER ?” The noise of the stripped-down car combined with desert wind caused Art to shout.
    “Look at the map,” Ross said, his hands busy at the wheel in trying to avoid a jack rabbit. “It’s fifty-three miles from Route 66 to the turn-off, then seven miles on the turn-off.”
    “We left Highway 66 about thirty-nine, forty miles back,” Art replied. “We ought to be in sight of the turn-off before long.” He squinted out across bare, colorful New Mexico countryside. “Did you ever see so much wide-open, useless country? Cactus and coyotes—what’s it good for?”
    “I like it,” Ross answered. “Hang on to your hat.” There was a flat,