get here first, we were making
ready to take the kids off in a snow-weasel. If we kept to soft snow, no
plane could land near them. It's just possible somebody could claim the
kids asked protection from us decadent, warmongering Americans, and they
might be equipped to shoot it out. We aren't."

Some of the base specialists appeared to help Soames carry the parcels
to the transport.

Gail appeared, muffled up for travel. Fran and Zani were with her,
similarly clothed. They carried garments for the others.

Captain Moggs fled to the communications room to demand radio contact to
Washington. But the radio was busy. The French, having been stalled off
when they suggested a visit, were now urged to call immediately. The
English, similarly put off, were now invited to drop in for tea. As
Captain Moggs sputtered, the radio went on to organize a full-scale
conference on common observational problems, plus a seminar on Antarctic
scientific research in general. It would be a beautiful example of
whole-hearted co-operation among scientific groups of different
nationalities. It should set a charming example for the rest of the
world. But members of the staff, arranging this swift block of possible
trouble-making by unwelcome visitors, wore the unpleasant expression of
people who are preparing to be very polite to people attempting to put
something over on them. It was notable that the few sporting weapons at
the base were passed out to those who could use them most effectively if
the need arose.

The transport's fuel-tanks were topped. The remaining two children
struggled into flying garments. The boy Hod took down the small tripod
with its spinning thing on top. Instantly the area about the base main
building became bitter cold. The children climbed into the transport
after Gail.

Soames, swearing, climbed in after a still expostulating Captain Moggs.
He did not like the idea of leaving while any chance of trouble stayed
behind. But as a matter of fact, his leaving with the others removed
nearly the last chance of it.

* * * * *

It was, though, the rational thing to do.

Representatives of the other nations would land at the American base,
and assure themselves that there were no extraterrestrials in hiding nor
any signs of a spaceship anywhere about. And there would result a
scientific conference that would do some good. The extraordinary burst
of static would be discussed, with no conc