my Siberians and
Inspectors know about you and Keller and Piddy and the Nine Line would
be enough; but to cap the climax that brainless jackal of yours let the
cat completely out of the bag this afternoon, and everybody in Building
One was listening. One more premature would blow Entwhistle wide
open--would start something that not all the politicians in Washington
could stop. On the other hand, if you scrap those lots and go back to
pouring good loads, your Mr. Stoner, of New York and Washington, will be
very unhappy and will scream bloody murder. I'm sure, however, that you
won't offer any Plate D loads to Ordnance--in view of the temper of my
boys and girls, and the number of people who heard your dumb stooge give
you away, you won't dare to. In fact, I told some of my people that you
wouldn't; that you are a smart enough operator to keep your nose clean."

"You _told_ them!" Black shouted, in anger and dismay.

"Yes? Why not?" The words were innocent enough, but Kinnison's
expression was full of meaning. "I don't want to seem trite, but you are
just beginning to find out that honesty and loyalty are a hell of a hard
team to beat."

"Get out! Take these termination papers and GET OUT!"

And Doctor Ralph K. Kinnison, head high, strode out of President Black's
office and out of Entwhistle Ordnance Plant.

CHAPTER 6

19--?

"Theodore K. Kinnison!" a crisp, clear voice snapped from the speaker of
an apparently cold, ordinary-enough-looking radio-television set.

A burly young man caught his breath sharply as he leaped to the
instrument and pressed an inconspicuous button.

"Theodore K. Kinnison acknowledging!" The plate remained dark, but he
knew that he was being scanned.

"Operation Bullfinch!" the speaker blatted.

Kinnison gulped. "Operation Bullfinch--Off!" he managed to say.

"Off!"

He pushed the button again and turned to face the tall, trim
honey-blonde who stood tensely poised in the archway. Her eyes were wide
and protesting; both hands clutched at her throat.

"Uh-huh, sweets, they're coming--over the Pole," he gritted. "Two hours,
more or less."

"Oh, Ted!" She threw herself into his arms. They kissed, then broke
away.

The man picked up two large suitcases, already packed--everything else,
including food and water, had been in the car for weeks--and made
strides. The girl rushed after him, not bothering even to close the door
of the apartment, scooping up _en passant_ a leggy b