human
Tell him the boss will be all set in a minute, Blake said.
gpt
I've got to get into one of these outfits.
human
We'll be out in a minute, he said to Slater.
gpt
Get her ready to roll.
human
Yes sir, Slater answered him respectfully.
gpt
The cab is all fixed, and the motors are turning. The hidden door has been opened so we better make it snappy.
human
Okay, he said.
gpt
Make sure you don't leave anything on board that's useful. And Slater....
human
Yeah?
gpt
Harror is staying here, O'Toole said quickly.
human
He ain't feeling so good. Says I'm to give the orders.
gpt
That's a good one, he chuckled.
human
How long since that gorilla started giving orders around here.
gpt
This is it, he said quickly.
human
I knew Wade was mixed up in this business. Harror isn't the real boss here.
gpt
I know you and Ferrell hate Wade's guts, he said slowly,
human
It's not me so much, O'Toole protested.
gpt
Ferrell said long ago that Wade was in this mess. He didn't seem to get any action on the case. Now with the guy Slater saying Harror isn't the boss, there isn't any other answer.
human
Sorry, O'Toole, Blake said.
gpt
I should be willing to admit that Wade's our man. I don't know why I can't. It's just that blood is pretty thick stuff, I guess. It's hard to think your own brother would turn on you like this.
human
We've got to do something, he said quietly.
gpt
Those guys won't sit out there waiting forever.
human
Supposing Wade isn't the chief, he asked.
gpt
What then?
human
They'll kill us all, just as they already plan to, O'Toole groaned.
gpt
We might as well take a flying chance.
human
I've got a better idea,
gpt
Then spill it. We haven't much time.
human
To begin with, Blake said.
gpt
If Wade was in this he'd have shown up here long ago. The paper said he couldn't be located. I'd recognize my twin even in one of these outfits.
human
Then who is the chief? He's here somewhere and Slater sure didn't intend to take orders from Harror.
gpt
He must be on the train,
human
Now you're crazy, O'Toole answered savagely.
gpt
The people on Mono 6 have been locked up for hours. If the leader of the Silver Masks was among them he'd have taken charge hours ago.
human
Unless, Blake said thoughtfully,
gpt
Let's get out of here, he said.
human
You've got something up your sleeve and I'll play the cards the way you want them.
gpt
One more thing, Blake told him.
human
These men had to have a track to get Mono 6 into this cave. When it goes out again we'll be on the same track, but it will end in a canyon or deep lake.
gpt
Go on.
human
Well! We've got to get started on that trip. After we are out you and I will have to take our chances of stopping the mono.
gpt
And I thought Grudge Harror was a tough baby,
human
It isn't a matter of being tough, Blake said.
gpt
Can you handle the engine room alone?
human
Handled it for years, O'Toole said coolly.
gpt
But I'd like to know where that track ends.
human
You will. Blake went toward the door. He gripped O'Toole's shoulder.
gpt
You're a good Irishman, O'Toole. Now go out of here and straight to the cab. I don't think they'll dare send one of the other men. If the controls are tied into place, leave them alone. When I signal, set all motors going full speed. Sit tight and keep her flying.
human
And the end of the track? O'Toole asked.
gpt
If I don't get shot in the back before I'm half way across the cave, how do I know when to stop?
human
Perhaps you won't, he admitted.
gpt
But I'll be in the rear lounge with every male passenger within my sight. One of them is bound to break down when he knows he's at the end of the trail.
human
So?
gpt
I'll jerk the emergency cord, Blake said.
human
Set your brakes the minute you hear it. O'Toole, it's a long chance but we've got to take it.
gpt
One more thing, O'Toole asked.
human
Blake, who in hell is the leader of the Silver Masks?
gpt
If I'm not mistaken, he whispered evenly,
human
Walter Ferrell knows more about this than he's telling.