"Sit down, Pete," Halloran said quietly. "We haven't finished this conference." "I admire your sentiments, Rabbi," Lansing said hurriedly, "but surely you realize that we can't take any criminal elements to ... ah, what will be our new world. And we do have a special need for you. We've plenty of your co-religionists among our various personnel, but we don't have an ordained minister for them. They're your responsibility." "Afraid my first responsibility is here." Goldsmid's voice was quite matter-of-fact. "So's mine," grunted Slade. "Warden, even if the world ends tomorrow, I've got to get Squeaker Hanley's gall bladder out today. No point in my hanging around any longer is there?" "Of course there is," Halloran answered. He took a package of cigarettes from his pocket, selected one, and lit it. He exhaled smoke and looked speculatively at Lansing. The scientist felt himself blushing and looked away. Halloran turned to Court. "Quite a problem, isn't it, Alfred," he said. "I suppose these gentlemen are right in keeping the inmates off their ships. At any rate, _we_ can't argue the matter--so let's do what we're asked. I think you'd better plan to get the guards out of here tonight, at shift change. Might pass the word to their wives now, so they can start packing a few essentials. Doc," he turned to Slade, "before you get your greedy hands on Squeaker's gall bladder, you'd better round up your staff and have them make the proper arrangements." "O.K., I'll put it up to them." "You'll _not_ put it up to them," the warden said sharply. "You'll _order_ them to be ready when the general, here, wants them." "I'll give no orders," Slade said grimly. "Just a minute," interposed Court. "Sir, aren't you going?" "Of course not. But that's neither here nor there--" The loud clangor of a bell pealed through the room. The two visitors jumped. "What's that?" cried Knox. "Yard time," Halloran smiled. "The men are allowed two hours out in the yard, now. They exercise, play games, or just sit around and talk." "Oh." "Did I understand you correctly, Warden Halloran?" Lansing's bony face was pale now. "Do you refuse to come with us?" * * * * * When the bell rang, Joe Mario had been standing near the door to the warden's office, ostensibly filing reports. Now, he closed the drawer with a bang, stretched, and started toward the outside door. "Where are you going?" the guard asked suspiciously. "The yard. Where else?" "Not a word," Mario added virtuously. "I was too busy doin' my work. Anyway, you gotta let me out. My team's got a ball game set for this afternoon." "Oh ... all right." He looked at the typists. "How about you two? Want out?" The two men glanced quickly at each other, then shoved back their chairs and got up from their desks. "Sure," one of them grinned, "I guess we'll take a little air." * * * * *