n tone; a hint of tremulous
fright; a careful calculation of the effect she might be making upon
De Boer. Had he not been intoxicated--with drink and with her--he
might have sensed it. But he did not.

"Hendrick, it can be done. A big price. Why not?"

"Because if we are trapped and caught, of what use is the price we
might have gotten? Tell me that, wise one?"

"We will not be trapped. And suppose you kill him--won't they track
you just the same, Hendrick?"

"No. We would leave his body on some crag where it would be found. The
patrols would more quickly tire of chasing a killer when the damage is
done. They want Grant alive."

"Then let them have him alive--for a big price. Hendrick, listen--"

"Well, what?" he demanded again. "What is your plan?"

"Why--well, Hendrick, like this--"

She stammered, and I realized that she had no plausible plan. She was
fumbling, groping, urging upon De Boer that I must be ransomed alive.
But she had not good reason for it.

"Well?" he prompted impatiently.

"You--can you raise Great New York on the audiphone, Hendrick?"

"Yes," he said.

"Hanley's office?"

"Yes, no doubt. Chah--that would give him a start, wouldn't it? De
Boer calmly calling him!"

* * * * *

He was laughing. I heard what sounded as though he were gulping
another drink. "By damn, Jetta, you are not the timid bird you look.
Call Hanley, eh?"

"Yes. Can it be done and still bar his instruments from locating us?"

"Yes, and bar his television. Believe it, Jetta. I have every device
for hiding. But--call Hanley!"

"Why not? ... Hendrick, stop!"

I started. It seemed that he was embracing her; forcing half drunken
caresses upon her.

I scrambled through my tent doorway, but Gutierrez, who had come back
on guard, at once seized me.

"_Hui_--so haste! Back, you."

The Spaniard spoke softly, and he was grinning. "The chief plays with
woman's words, no? Charming senorita, though she dresses like a boy.
But that is the more charming, eh? Listen to her, Grant."

He gripped me, and prodded my side with the point of his knife blade.
"Lie down Americano: we will listen."

Jetta was insisting. "Hendrick, stop!"

"Why?"

* * * * *

I could see them now. They were seated before the opening of De Boer's
tent. A little stove in front of them. Coffee for Jetta, who was
seated cross-legged, pouring it; a bowl of drink for De Boer. And some