Tom Corbett, Space Cadet #3

The main story "The Drifter" follows Tom Corbett and his fellow space cadets as they encounter Lance Sterling, a former schoolmate turned space pilot, who tempts them to abandon their duties for a pleasure trip to Mars. When they refuse and report him, Sterling reveals he is planning to visit a former lover, and the cadets agree to deliver a message and bring back his friends for a fishing expedition. The story includes a subplot featuring the cadets' visit to Mercury, where they tour through tunnels led by a friendly Mercurian, witness a fire ritual ceremony, and narrowly escape a volcanic eruption. The issue also contains an educational "Space News" section covering topics such as meteors, Mercury's planetary characteristics, and medical breakthroughs against various diseases.