"You have me there," I admitted. "I suppose if we adhere strictly to that idea there should be a vote on whether or not to use this new weapon, which, of course, would lose us the element of surprise. But again, what does the ordinary man know about such things. To come right down to it ... how often has there been a nation-wide vote in any democratic country on whether or not to get into a war?" "I know of none," Hallam answered, "which means of course that essentially, in times of stress, decisions are made by a few, or even by one man. And that brings us full circle. Shall we make the decision now?" "I feel somewhat like the old country doctor who taught me obstetrics," I said. "Whenever he was in doubt about a delivery he sat down, lit a big cigar, and waited. Nature usually took care of things for him." "A smart idea," said the boss. "We'll work--and wait." CHAPTER 10 Towards the end of April the Canadian research team left for Hong Kong. Now that intercontinental air traffic had ceased, Sea Island was quieter than usual, but even so, the roar of engines warming up in the cold dawn made it difficult to hear. Out on the tarmac the big RCAF jet transport rolled ponderously behind its tractor, wings drooping like a great eagle hovering over its nest. It glided silently to the loading area and we moved, a small knot of people, to where we could watch and wait for the word to embark. "I hope Hong Kong will be warmer than this, Harry," I said, shivering deeper into my trench coat as the cold dawn wind crawled up my sleeves and down my neck. "April is usually very pleasant," he said. "It's after the winter and before the rains." "I was there a couple of times after the Korean War. I imagine the Kowloon side is cut off now. Used to be some nice shopping centers there." "I don't suppose there'll be much left," he replied. "The area has been isolated for months. Everybody who could get away has gone. I expect it will be more like a prison camp than a tourist resort." "Well, it shouldn't be too bad," I grinned at him. "Some of those Chinese girls with the high split skirts were mighty nice looking." "Hush up now, you hear?" Polly said. "Don't you be giving him ideas." "I don't need to Polly, he's been there before." "Don't pay any attention to John," Pat said. "His mind's in a rut." "Can you think of a better one?" Hallam asked. "Oh, you men!" Polly snorted contemptuously. "The luggage is all loaded, Doctor," a young RCAF officer had come up and reported to Cope. "We're ready to go now." "Thank you," Harry said and turned to the Chief. "I'll let you know what happens, sir." "Take care of yourself, boy," Dr. Hallam said as they shook hands.