He felt her stir with amazement, and her little hands gripped his arms, as he told the Marshal his suspicions of an alliance between outlaws and some of the Specialists. "It might be," murmured Denton. "There's a small bloc that has consistently opposed requests for credits to enlarge and strengthen the Patrol." "What's the situation here, Sir?" McPartland asked eagerly. "Has there been an ultimatum--a demand for surrender? Where is the Congress?" "The Specialists are in session," Marshal Denton told him. "You can imagine the confusion! They're getting nowhere. "There's been no demand made yet--though I think you're right and one will come!" He was silent for a minute. Jon's hands clenched. "What about here at the Base, Sir?" "When the darkness fell, the repair crews and guards in the docks were attacked immediately by men armed with grenades and firearms," Denton explained. "Most of our personnel there was captured or driven out. "Fortunately I was here. I armed a squad with firearms from the old arsenal, and attacked. We've got them pinned in the docks. They can't get out--and we can't get in." "The plotters must have overlooked the arsenal," Jon mused aloud, "or they didn't know about it." He could imagine the tense hurried minutes that Denton described so calmly. * * * * * The Marshal had thought and moved rapidly. Squads were needed to lay cables or ropes to mark paths in the blackness. Men were armed and moved up to attack the docks. It was a brilliant mind that had surrounded the attackers and organized communications and supplies for the Patrolmen. "Congratulations, Sir," McPartland said admiringly, and added soberly, "I imagine there isn't much news from the rest of Terra." He heard Marshal Denton sigh heavily. "No, Jon. There's some communication over old electric-type instruments. In some places there's rioting. Everywhere, it's cold, and people are frightened and disorganized. There hasn't been time for lack of food to make itself felt." "Stuff could move over the railroads, Sir," cut in McTavish. "The Specialists have forbidden that," the Marshal told him. "Because of danger of accidents." "Accidents!" snapped the Engineer scornfully. "Worrying about accidents at a time like this!" Jon spoke impatiently. "May I suggest Sir, that you send a body of men to Congress. Surround the building, cut outside communications. When the darkness lifts, search every Congressman, and arrest any found with firearms. You can bet the plotters will be armed. But the Congress will have to be suspended until every member is thoroughly investigated!" He felt Almira stiffen in his arms, and heard McTavish exclaim: "Good, man!" "Suspend the Congress--" Marshal Denton repeated, shocked. "Jon, you--"