A rousing adventure story for boys by Bret Dawson.

It took just minutes for Chet Price to make the flight. The fifteen-year-old space detective had a big day ahead of him, but he also had a problem. And as he arrived at the space haberdashery of Jackie Greenwood, he knew he could afford to waste no time.

"Hello, Mr. Greenwood," he said warmly, as the space haberdasher greeted him with a firm handshake and a friendly smile.

"Hello, Chet," said Jackie Greenwood. "Now, you're having trouble with your space detective uniform, are you?"

"That's right, Mr. Greenwood. This afternoon I'm going to be made Ace space detective, first class, so I need to look sharp. But as you can see, I've blown out the knees of my uniform."

"Goodness, Chet, I see what you mean. You've made a right mess of those knees."

"That's for sure. It's a fine sturdy uniform, but the knees just can't take any kind of licking at all."

"No indeed," said Jackie Greenwood. "I think I can help you, Chet. I'll just need to have a closer look at the damaged fabric."

"Oh, that'll be no problem at all, Mr. Greenwood," said Chet.

Just then, the space doorbell sounded. Before Jackie Greenwood could stand back up, in walked a space dame.

"Hello," said Jackie Greenwood, "I'm--"

"I know who you are, space haberdasher," said the space dame, "but I'm not here to see you. I need to talk to the space detective."

Chet stood as tall and straight as he could. When he spoke, his voice was clear and steady. "Chet Price, space detective. What can I do you for?"

Opening her handbag, drawing out a long white space cigarette, casually setting alight with a space Bic, the space dame said nothing. She looked Chet up and down, and up and down, and up and down again. Finally she spoke.

"The problem," she said, "Is rather personal."

* * *

Next: At the space dame's space pad!