human
So you are recovered?
gpt
We--I say, we're sorry as hell we acted like that.
human
I know you are. His voice softened.
gpt
If I could have done anything else, believe me, I would have. But I don't think harm will come to them. They're clever.
human
Are they outside? I asked.
gpt
Did they find a way of meeting the Martians? How long have you been gone?
human
This is Halsey, he said.
gpt
Yes, I have them here. Bring them--did you say bring them?
human
No, I would prefer not to come. I'm watching something. I'm at the Red Spark Cafe. Well, I'm going back to my office presently to wait there.
gpt
I will send them, Grantline. Very well, I'll tell them to locate him. At once, yes.
human
You're all right now?
gpt
Yes. I stood up, drawing Snap up with me.
human
What is wanted of us Colonel?
gpt
That's better, Gregg. He smiled, but he was still grim.
human
I wanted you here to wait for this call from the Conclave of Public Safety. It met at midnight. They have ordered both of you there.
gpt
That's a secret meeting, isn't it? asked Snap.
human
There was no report of it over the air tonight.
gpt
Yes. Secret. He was leading us to the door.
human
They won't need you for more than half an hour. When they finish, come back to my office. You can come openly. He stood with his finger on the door lever.
gpt
Good-by, lads. Foley will lead you to the service room. You are to take a mail cylinder for Postal Switch-station 20. They'll re-route you from there to the conclave auditorium.
human
When you disembark, he added,
gpt
Ask for Johnny Grantline. You are to sit with him.
human
For myself, he whispered swiftly,
gpt
I'll go to the damnable conclave because I'm ordered. But I won't stay there long. Once we get out of it, if I don't route myself back to the Red Spark, I'm a motor-oiler.