Laurine's hand went to his shoulder and rested there lightly to comfort him. He covered her small hand with his own large one. Then she was standing beside him. His arm was over her shoulders and she was smiling up at him. "Any one of us would have done the same, Joel," she said softly. He smiled bitterly. "If so, we don't deserve to win. We're too damn dumb!" She said nothing, but remained quietly at his side. And he became aware now that he was to lose his life, that it could have been much sweeter if he hadn't been so blind. He cursed Valnar under his breath. But Laurine heard him. "All you missed was a chance to avenge us," she said. "The Organization was already doomed." The anger and disgust left him and he waited with a quiet acceptance. There seemed to be no hope. But he was determined to wait, and watch. * * * * * The morning was a gray, dull-humored thing. There was no cheer in the large cell. They waited silently. It was still early when guards came into the prison. They marched down the corridor in perfect discipline. Their weapons were well kept and ready. "Empty the tank, first," commanded the officer. The door of the large cell opened, but there was no chance to fight or escape. The prisoners filed out, formed ranks, then, surrounded by guards, marched to the prison courtyard. Barlow and Laurine had managed to stay together and as they left the prison, her hand slipped into his. He thought it possible that she was afraid. But when he looked at her, her shoulders were back and her eyes bright. He pressed her hand. "Look, Joel," she directed in a whisper when they halted in the courtyard. She nodded her head toward a richly dressed group near the outer entrance. Joel Barlow looked and saw the well-publicized features of Director Dodson in the middle of the group. And close by the Director was Valnar. But Valnar was heavily guarded. His clothes were torn and the plaque which he had always worn, was gone. And he had lost his confident bearing. Their eyes met across the courtyard. Barlow saw Valnar smile, lift his hand in greeting, but he showed no acknowledgement. Valnar's face showed puzzlement. The prisoners were lined against the wall. The guards withdrew to one side and stood at attention. Director Dodson motioned negligently with one hand, and Valnar and his guard crossed to the prisoners. Valnar was placed with the prisoners and the guard withdrew. Barlow stared at Valnar. Then he looked down to meet Laurine's eyes. "They're going to kill him too," he said. "He wasn't a spy." She didn't answer. Barlow turned again to Valnar, called to him, "I see you're still with us." "To the end--maybe it won't be so bitter," Valnar grinned. "Get in there and fight when the time comes."