eep classes going in the various schools as long as
possible, releasing those students who were needed to take assignments
in the emergency program. Ken and the rest of the science club members
obtained immediate permission to devote their full time to the research
program.

On the morning after the town meeting, Ken dressed early and rode his
bicycle toward Art's garage to arrange with the mechanic the details of
the gathering and storage of automobile batteries. On the way he passed
by Frank Meggs Independent Grocery Market, the largest in Mayfield.

Although it was only a little after 7 o'clock, an enormous crowd had
collected outside and inside the store. Curious and half-alarmed, Ken
parked his bicycle and made his way through the crowd. Inside, he found
Frank Meggs ringing up sales of large lots of food.

A red-faced woman was arguing with him at the check-out stand. "A dollar
a pound for white beans! That's ridiculous, Frank Meggs, and you know
it!"

"Sure I know it," the storekeeper said calmly. "Next winter you'll be
glad I let you have them for even that price. If you don't want them,
Mrs. Watkins, please move along. Others will be glad to have them."

The woman hesitated, then angrily flung two bills on the counter and
stalked out with her groceries. Ken shoved his way up to the stand. "Mr.
Meggs," he exclaimed. "You can't do this! All foodstuffs are being
called in by the Mayor's committee."

He turned to the people. "Private hoards of food will be confiscated
and placed in the community warehouse. This isn't going to do you any
good!"

Most of the shoppers looked shamefaced, at his challenge, but Meggs
bristled angrily. "You keep out of this, Maddox! Nobody asked you to
come in here! These people know what they're doing, and so do I. How
much do you think any of us will eat if townhall gets its hands on every
scrap of food in the valley? If you aren't buying, get moving!"

"I will, and I'll be back just as soon as I can find the Sheriff!"

With telephone service now cut off to conserve battery power, Ken
hesitated between seeking Sheriff Johnson at his office or at home. He
checked his watch again and decided on the Sheriff's home.

He was fortunate in arriving just before the Sheriff left. He explained
quickly what was happening at Meggs' store. Johnson had been assigned
one of the few remaining cars that would run. With Ken, he drove
immediately to the store. They strode in, the shoppers fannin