"We have all loved this land, too, colonel, and the principles for which it stood. That is why we are here." West's voice became softer still, but the gravity in his face seemed to increase. "That is good talk," Zen said. "However, if I have learned one thing, it is that talk is cheap. You are outlaws hiding here yet you talk of loving the land that you have failed to serve." He felt his voice grate as he spoke. "Bravely spoken, colonel," West applauded. A glint that might have been appreciation and might have been the edge of hidden anger showed in his eyes. "Particularly so since you are in the power of these--ah--outlaws." "Very brave," Nedra agreed. "And very foolish." "You did not bring me here to tell me that I am in your power," Zen answered. "Nor to comment on my bravery. Nor my foolishness." "I think he can read minds," Nedra said. "I do not in the least doubt it," West answered. "If he did not possess this ability, or almost possess it, he would not be here." "I, in my turn, think both of you are nuts," Zen answered. "I'm not putting on a mind-reading act." "Not consciously, colonel, of course," West agreed. "You think your thoughts are your own. Often they are. But there are also times when they have originated with somebody else. However, before you tell me that I did not call you up here to discuss your mind-reading ability, or lack of it, I will show you one reason why I wanted you. Take the glasses, observe the ridge in the far distance, just under the pines. Tell me what you see there." "Horses," Zen said. "No, mules. With riders. Cuso's men going out on a raiding party looking for food, ammo, and women, if they can catch 'em." "Quite right, colonel. Except that they probably have the additional duty of inspecting the damage their blooper did when it exploded." "I hope they inspect that damage from close range," Zen said fervidly. "That area is hot. If they will only spend an hour or so--" He broke off as he remembered that both Nedra and West had spent too much time in the same hot zone. "They will not be that foolish," West said. "I know some people who were," Zen said. "Perhaps the area, at least on the fringes, was not as hot as you had thought," West suggested. "My counter said it was," Zen answered.