lunatic, with that lined,
tormented face.

"We might be in the East Indies somewhere," said Adam thoughtfully. "A
plane could get us there from New York in a lot less than two days."

"Where are these East Indies?" asked Villa. Mrs. Full wished he would
stop rubbing his stomach that way. It reminded her that she was very
hungry.

"Someplace near Siam," said Adam vaguely. "Question is, if we're there,
or anyplace else for that matter, _why_ are we?"

A number of reasons shot through Mrs. Full's mind, all of them too
fantastic to suggest aloud. They might be potential mates for these
incredible animals, or slaves, or food, or.... She was surprised at
herself for thinking of such things; one would suppose she had been
reared on a diet of sensational thrillers.

She rose and walked aside, ostensibly studying the green fountain (which
augmented her suffering with its tinkling splash). "Oh, Calvin," she
said.

He came over to her. "Yes, dear?"

"Calvin, I--" she halted unable to phrase her question. But he did it
for her.

"I've been thinking: if there are--certain basic needs--I mean, if you
find it necessary to--"

"I do, Calvin," she said gratefully.

"Oh. Well, there is the, hmm, sand box. I believe it's meant for such,
ah, purposes."

"Calvin! In front of you, in front of these strangers?" She was shocked,
and put up one hand to push nervously at her hair, which felt untidy.

"We'll ask them to turn their backs. After all, such things must be
attended to."

"I'd rather die," she said, but not at all certainly.

"There are sacrifices to be made in this predicament, and modesty is
one," he clipped out. "Er, gentlemen."

Watkins said, "I know, it just hit me too."

"What?"

"I've got to go to the john."

"Yes," said Calvin stiffly. "I suggest we retire to the farther end from
the sand box, while one by one--"

"We could rig a screen or something, but there isn't anything to do it
with," said Watkins. He walked away; despite his outspoken manner, he
seemed to have the proper instincts.

Adam followed him. Summersby turned his back. Calvin looked at the
Mexican. "Come along."

"Why?" asked Villa, raising his black brows. "What is there in a simple
relieving of--"

Calvin strode to him, catching him by the nape, lifted him bodily from
the floor, and sent him reeling after the others. He half-turned, then
walked on, muttering, "Crazy _gringos_!" Calvin went and stood a little
behind the others,