d so the people out there want to try to get to Mars. Believe me,
that's a trip I want someone else to make first. But if they think life
will be easier on those deserts--why, let them go. But God help
them--they'll need it."

He paused. Knox tried to catch Lansing's eye, but the scientist's face
was blank, unseeing.

"What do _we_ do?" This voice was not hysterical, just seriously
questioning.

"_You_ should do darned well. Life should be easy enough for _you_.
You've got your own farms, your livestock, laundry, hospital,
shops--everything a man can need. So, take over and run things to suit
yourselves."

A unanimous gasp whistled over the speaker. Then, they all cried just
one word.

"Us?"

"Why not? Don't you think you can?"

Silence, broken by strange, wistful mutterings.

"I'd suggest this," Halloran said. "Let's follow our normal routine
tonight--no lock-ups, of course--and tomorrow, you fellows take over.
I'll help you in any way I can. But it will be _your_ job. Perhaps after
breakfast tomorrow, you ought to have a mass meeting. Under the
supervision of your council, I'd say. You can't keep going without some
kind of order, you know."

Again silence.

"My God," whispered Lansing, "he makes it all sound so _real_."

"Any questions?" Halloran asked.

"Hey, warden! How about the dames?"

"The ladies will join you tomorrow morning." He chuckled. "I imagine
they'll be able to handle you all right!"

A joyous roar.

"However," Halloran raised his voice, "I'd like to remind you fellows
that a successful community needs ... _families_!"

There was a long quiet, then, broken finally by an inmate who asked,
"Warden, how about the guys up on the Row?"

"Well," Halloran's voice lost all humor, "you can start ripping out the
gas chamber whenever you're ready to. I'll see that you get the tools."

The swell of applause was so loud in the office that Court hastily
turned down the speaker's volume.

"All right," Halloran said when they had quieted down, "that's about it.
You're free now, till supper-time. I'd suggest all of you start right
now, thinking about your future--"

* * * * *

Outside the main gate, first Knox, then Lansing shook hands with the
gray-faced warden.

"Trucks'll be in town at seven for your people," Knox muttered. He gave
a windy sigh. "It's all fouled up. As usual. Damn it, we need people
like you, sir!"

Lansing looked at Halloran for a long time, try