to
say that I think you will want to hear, and it will take only a minute."

"All right. Go ahead."

"In a day or two the entire town is going to be without power,
transportation, or communication with the outside world. The science
club of the high school has a 1000-watt amateur transmitter that can
reach any point in the United States and most foreign countries. It
requires power. We can operate from batteries, and I would like to ask
you to authorize that all automobile batteries and those belonging to
the telephone company be immediately seized by the city and placed in
official custody, to be used for emergency communication purposes only.
They should be drained of electrolyte and properly stored."

"I appreciate that suggestion," the Mayor said. "I think it's a good
one. Would you boys be able to take care of that?"

"We'd be glad to."

"It's your assignment, then. We are calling a town meeting tonight in
the college auditorium. We especially want your father to be there if he
can, and we'll issue orders for the battery conservation program at that
time."

By noon Ken had gained an interview with President Lewis and had
received permission for his group to make use of the largest blower on
the campus for their air-sampling project. They loaded their tools and
themselves into the ancient wagon belonging to Dave Whitaker's uncle and
spent the rest of the day working at Science Hall.

Ken's father called again to report they had succeeded in renting a
horse and buggy at an exorbitant price from a farmer. When told of the
town meeting that evening, he promised to try to reach Mayfield in time.

Ten minutes before the 8 o'clock deadline, Professor Maddox drew up in
front of the house. He called to Ken without even getting down from the
seat of the wagon. "Get your mother, and let's go!"

Mrs. Maddox appeared, worried and concerned. "You've had nothing to
eat," she protested. "At least come in and have a sandwich and a glass
of milk. It's not cold, but it's fresh."

"No." Professor Maddox shook his head. "We don't want to miss any of the
meeting. Get a coat and come along. It will be chilly later."

Maria and her mother came also. The small wagon was loaded to capacity
as it moved slowly up the hill toward the campus. People were streaming
toward the auditorium from all directions. Most of them were afoot. A
few others had found a horse and wagon. A dozen or two cars chugged
protestingly up the hill, but i