Bud came toward her. She was insane, of course. It was astonishing how many people were insane. Sometimes Bud thought he was the only sane person left. "Now, now, you just tell me where Herb is, and I'll go have a nice long talk with him." He pocketed the automatic. "_You don't believe me._" "Oh, I do. Dear, I do, of course, I do. They're going to blow up the world.... I'd like to see Herb and talk it over with him." He made soothing motions with his hands. Bud's face, round and smiling and vacant, peered down. She wanted to throw something at it. She wanted to launch herself upon him and shake him and make him listen to her. He was a monolithic caricature of stupidity. She had to force herself into his mind and make him _see_. Bud came no closer to her. "Now, now, everything's going to be all right," he said. "Now, now, brother's little sister is...." He took a half step backward. She was able to see him for the first time as Frank saw him. A little sense of horror was born and began to grow. She stared at him with slowly vanishing disbelief. How could someone like this be her brother? He was some cold, unfeeling, insensitive thing, wrapped up in a world that embraced no one but himself. "What have you done to Frank?" she demanded. "Bud, _what have you done to my brother_?" Bud half snarled. And the Oligarch stepped out of the little room to the left. "I think it's about time I take over." Norma felt her heart pulse and stop cold. Ice filled the air. Bud said, staring at her with fascination, "She's going crazy, George." Norma turned to the Oligarch. "What did you make him do to Frank?" "Not here," Bud said softly. "Don't kill her yet. She knows where Herb is." Norma wanted to scream. She only half opened her mouth when the Oligarch's hand slapped sharply against her neck. Her knees buckled and she dropped unconscious to the heavy carpet. "She knows where Herb is," Bud said again. "We've got to find him before he tells someone--tells someone else about Frank." "She was telling the truth," the Oligarch said. "We are going to blow up the world. That's what I came back to Washington to tell you." * * * * * Herb arrived at the new Senate Office Building. He paid his fare and dismissed the cab. No one noticed him as he entered the lobby. He took the elevator to Senator Council's office. He was taking his time; he had several hours. The secretary, John, was behind his desk. The reception room was empty. Herb felt his stomach muscles tighten, and his hands clenched the pocketed gun tightly and grew damp. "Yes?" "I want to see the Senator." "What is the nature of your business?" "I want to talk about, about some private matters. I can wait until he can see me." Herb felt the gun, heavy and reassuring. "The Senator isn't in right now. Perhaps I can help you?" "No," Herb said sharply. "My business is with him. It's just between the two of us."