be enough to launch a greater, prouder race--provided, of course, that
I'm their leader."

* * * * *

The industrialist waddled back to the telescreen, flicked a metal knob
that brought into view a transmission on one of the few ultra-high
frequency channels still in operation. Electronically-produced colors
provided high visual acuity to a scene that depicted Cleveland in
flames. Decontamination squads with fire bombs were shown as they
sought to cleanse Euclid Avenue of its infected dead.

"Scenes like this have been duplicated in a dozen cities already this
afternoon," Edwin Dollard said. "It'd be enough to turn the stomach of
a lesser man. Frankly, I'd hoped the health squads could contain the
epidemic--but I guess at heart I never entertained any real prospect
that they would. As long as we've got a little time to expend, we
might as well sit here and enjoy the sight."

"Sit and wallow in it, if you like," replied Garth. "I think I better
check the road guards once more. If those plug-uglies smell out your
plan to desert them our lives won't be worth a punctured isotope."

"You know I'd go with you," Dollard sighed, "but I fear my presence
antagonizes the lower classes somehow. Considering the pay they're
drawing down, I'll never understand why, either."

Garth strode to the lodge's steel-plated front entrance, a formidable
barrier designed to match the strength of a space cruiser's main
airlock. Standing opposite the heavy circular plates, he gestured
before the five heat-sensitive electronic tumblers and the heavy door
swung open on oiled hinges. When he stepped outside, the barrier
closed behind him.

Alone inside the timbered hide-away, Edwin Dollard immediately shed
the affected air of corpulent lassitude he generally displayed in the
presence of others. Now that the deadline for his attempt to sneak off
the planet approached, it was essential that he attend to the
completion of his personal preparations. Above the mantel of the
lodge's thermionic fireplace was hung a brilliant cascading stereo of
Yosemite Falls in misty motion. Dollard pressed a hidden button. The
mantel sank to ground level and the stereo swung outward, bringing
into view a shining cubical locker of beryllium steel.

From this hiding place, Dollard withdrew two loaded hydroflame
pistols. These he strapped under each armpit. Next, he brought out a
palm-sized stunner which he concealed in his hand by ai