filled with compressed air, used oxygen which was recycled through a
canister of chemicals that removed water vapor and carbon dioxide. They
were completely self-contained; no bubbles were emitted.

Cobb was already opening a pair of leather-covered cases, exposing
electronic gear. He had also brought a portable antenna, which he began
setting up. McDevitt had a radio in his car with which to talk to
Wallops, and Steve handed him one unit of a walkie-talkie radio network.
Another unit went to Chuck, and Steve retained one.

Steve glanced at his watch. "Let's get going. Time your travel so you
will be in place at eight o'clock on the nose." He looked at the boys.
"Get into your gear, and take spear guns with you. When we move into
action, I want you to bring that balloon down if you can."

The boys ran to the houseboat. Rick was excited, and he knew Scotty was
feeling the same way. It was the first time they had been in on a JANIG
operation as full partners. Their previous adventures had either been as
accidental participants or as observers.

They got into full gear, including their skin-tight neoprene helmets and
footgear. Then, leaving their fins and rebreathers, they hurried back to
the others. Joe and Chuck were in their own car, the riot guns and
walkie-talkie out of sight. McDevitt had the telescope set up next to
his car and was practicing with it by tracking a high-flying osprey.
Cobb was finishing work on his electronic setup. His antenna was in
place, the dish on top of the collapsible pole aligned on the compass
direction to Calvert's Favor.

Steve shook hands with Joe and Chuck. "On your way. See you when the
balloon goes up." He motioned to the boys. "Got spear guns?"

"We left that till last," Rick said. "Ready to go?"

"Ready."

The three hurried down the pier to the houseboat, where the boys took
guns from their spear box. Each chose a high-powered gas gun, operated
by a carbon dioxide cartridge, and selected the spears that would cut
the biggest holes. There would be time for only one shot.

"Get on the floor in the runabout when we cast off," Steve directed. "If
there are any watchers, I want them to see only one man."

The boys cast off, then climbed in as Steve backed into the creek. They
crouched on the floor and adjusted the straps on their face masks until
the fit was tight. There was no conversation. Rick was so excited it was
hard to sit still. As they began the crossing of the Little