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“And I need that chemist and someone who’ll know about the saddles. And I need them quick. I can stall these boys a little longer, but not for too much longer.”

“Anyone you need,” said the U.N. man. “Anyone at all. I’ll have them here in hours. And in a day or two there’ll be a pool of experts waiting for whenever you may need them—on a moment’s notice.”

“Sir,” said Henry, unctuously, “that’s most co-operative. Both Hiram and I appreciate it greatly. And now, since this is settled, I understand that there are reporters waiting. They’ll be interested in your statement.”

The U.N. man, it seemed, didn’t have it in him to protest. He and Henry went tramping up the stairs.

Taine turned around and looked out across the desert.

“It’s a big front yard,” he said.