It really isn't ridiculous! Emotion, sentiment, give one extra force--" She stopped and resumed in a strangely gentle voice: "You are young, and if you don't make good it won't hurt very much.

Mr.
Cartwright's old; he can't try again.

Then he's not my step-father only.
He's my friend, and I know he trusts you.

For his sake, I must be frank--I trust you!" Lister smiled, but his voice betrayed him, although he thought he used control.
"Very well! If it's possible for flesh and blood, we'll bring _Arcturus_ home.

That's all.