A rousing adventure story for boys by Bret Dawson.

It was a gloomy day in space for fifteen-year-old Chet Price, space detective. Most days were gloomy in space, on account of the nebulae and the cosmic rays. But all the gloomy cosmic rays in the galaxy couldn't dampen Chet's buoyant mood.

For today was a very special day, the day Chet had been looking forward to ever since he'd joined the Space Detective Scouts as a lad of twelve. Today, after three years of training and hard work, Chet was going to be awarded the highest honour a space detective could receive. He was going to become Ace space detective, first class.

* * *

"Aw, nuts," said Chet. He had been hunting through his wardrobe for a full hour in search of the perfect outfit to wear to the big event, but all his efforts had been for naught. His best space detective uniform had scuff marks on the knees, and he was sure none of the other fellows at the initiation ceremony would be in civilian clothes. Whatever was he going to do?

Just as he was beginning to consider calling the whole thing off, a wry smile slowly crept across his face.

"I've got it!" he exclaimed. "The perfect plan!" Then he picked up the space phone and began to dial.

* * *

"Jackie Greenwood, space haberdasher."

Jackie Greenwood always answered on the first ring.

"Hi Mr. Greenwood. It's Chet Price, space detective."

"Oh, hello, Chet. How've you been keeping?"

"Just swell, thanks, Mr. Greenwood. Yourself?"

"Oh, I can't complain, Chet. Can't complain. What can I do for you today?

"Well, gee, Mr. Greenwood, I hate to call on such short notice, but I'm in a bit of a jam and I'm hoping you might be able to help me out."

"I'll be happy to try, Chet," said Jackie Greenwood jovially. "What is it?"

Chet took a deep breath and began to speak.

"Here's the problem, Mr. Greenwood. This afternoon at the big space detectives general meeting I'm going to be made Ace space detective, first class, so I really need to look sharp. But I've blown out the knees of my best space detective uniform. Do you think you could help me repair it or replace it in time?"

"Golly, Chet, that's a pickle, all right. What did you say you've done to the knees?"

"I blew them out, Mr. Greenwood."

"How did you do that, Chet?"

"Oh, it was awfully easy, Mr. Greenwood. If you think it'll help, I'll be happy to fly over and show you just how it happened."

"Why, yes, Chet, that would be most helpful."

"Okay, Mr. Greenwood. See you in a jiffy."

* * *

Next: Inside the space haberdashery!