"I'd have burned you at the first move. Even with the cable cut, the armored cover would have carried the full load right into the cockpit with you. But don't be nervous. I've got other jobs for you." He jabbed the gun muzzle hard into my chest, pushing me back. "Now get moving," he snarled. "And don't ever threaten the Baron again." "The years have done more than shrivel your face, Toby," I said. "They've cracked your brain." He laughed, a short bark. "You could be right. What's sane and what isn't? I've got a vision in my mind--and I'll make it come true. If that's insanity, it's better than what the mob has." Back at the parapet, Mallon turned to me. "I've had this campaign planned in detail for years, Jackson. Everything's ready. We move out in half an hour--before any traitors have time to take word to my enemies. Pig Eye and Dunger will keep you from being lonely while I'm away. When I get back--Well, maybe you're right about working together." He gestured and my whiskery friend and his sidekick loomed up. "Watch him," he said. "Genghis Khan is on the march, eh?" I said, "With nothing between you and the goodies but a five-hundred ton Bolo...." "The Lesser Troll...." He raised his hands and made crushing motions, like a man crumbling dry earth. "I'll trample it under my treads." "You're confused, Toby. The Bolo has treads. You just have a couple of fallen arches." "It's the same. I am the Great Troll." He showed me his teeth and walked away. * * * * * I moved along between Dunger and Pig Eye, towards the lights of the garage. "The back entrance again," I said. "Anyone would think you were ashamed of me." "You need more training, hah?" Dunger rasped. "Hold him, Pig Eye." He unhooked his club and swung it loosely in his hand, glancing around. We were near the trees by the drive. There was no one in sight except the crews near the Bolo and a group by the front of the palace. Pig Eye gave my arm a twist and shifted his grip to his old favorite strangle hold. I was hoping he would. Dunger whipped the club up, and I grabbed Pig Eye's arm with both hands and leaned forward like a Japanese admiral reporting to the Emperor. Pig Eye went up and over just in time to catch Dunger's club across the back. They went down together. I went for the club, but Whiskers was faster than he looked. He rolled clear, got to his knees, and laid it across my left arm, just below the shoulder. I heard the bone go.... * * * * * I was back on my feet, somehow. Pig Eye lay sprawled before me. I heard him whining as though from a great distance. Dunger stood six feet away, the ring of black beard spread in a grin like a hyena smelling dead meat. "His back's broke," he said. "Hell of a sound he's making. I been waiting for you; I wanted you to hear it."