we're
recruiting some of the best practical politicians in the field."

"Practical politicians!" Ross snorted. "Types like Huey Long, McCarthy,
Pendergast, I suppose."

The other misunderstood him. "Yeah, and even better. We're going in big
for TV time, full-page ads in the newspapers and magazines. That sort of
thing. The average man's getting tired of the same old talk from the
Republicans and Democrats. Paul Teeter thinks we might have a chance in
the next election, given enough dough to plow into it."

Ross leaned back disdainfully. "What a combination. Whitely, the broker
who has been barred from activity on Wall Street; Teeter, the crooked
politician, but with connections from top to bottom; and Larry, whatever
his name is...."

"Morazzoni," Crowley supplied. "You know where I first ran into his
name? In one of them true crime magazines. He's a big operator."

"I'll bet he is," the redhead growled. "Probably with good Mafia
connections. I'm surprised you haven't attempted to take over that
outfit."

Crowley laughed abruptly. "We're working on that, pal. Just take it easy
and all these things will work their way out. But meanwhile I didn't
bring you jokers here to make snide remarks. I got work for you. I'm
fresh out of that serum and you three are going to brew me up another
batch."

They looked at him, Dr. Braun, Ross Wooley, Patricia O'Gara, their faces
registering stubbornness, revolt and dismay.

He shook his head. "Larry and some of his boys have experience. I gotta
admit, I wouldn't even want to watch."

"I'm for standing firm," Braun said stiffly. "There are but three of us.
The most they can do is kill us. But if this man's insanity is released
on the world...."

Crowley was shaking his head in deprecation. "Like when you say the
worst we can do is kill you. Man, haven't you heard about the Nazis and
commies and all? You oughta read some of the men's adventure magazines.
How do you think Joe Stalin got all them early Bolsheviks to confess?
You think they weren't tough buzzards? Why make us go to all the
trouble, when you'd just cave in eventually anyway? Save yourself the
grief."

Patricia said impatiently, "He's right, I'm afraid. I would collapse
rather quickly under physical coercion. You might last a bit longer,
Ross possibly longer still. But in the end we would concede."

Crowley said, as though in amazement, "You know, eggheads aren't as
stupid as some would reckon. O.K., folks, I g