* * * * *
For Bert Andrews had also aligned himself with his aunt and Sparks. Now
he said defiantly, "What Aunt Maud says is good enough for me. I'll
stick!"
'Tina was already beside Greg; her gaze was fiercely loyal. She did not
need to say anything. Captain Allengrove looked stunned. "But really,"
he said, "but really, this is most unusual! I mean, we were sent to
rescue you! I--er--I don't quite see how you expect to survive without
leadership--"
Aunt Maud snorted belligerently. "Leadership! You just leave us
supplies and we'll have all the leadership we need! Marberry, you're
staying, aren't you? Well, that's seven of us. A lucky number! I don't
suppose there are any more?"
She glared at Crystal. Greg, too, was watching the girl. Now before the
steadfastness of their combined gazes, her eyes dropped. Her cheeks
colored faintly. But she did not move from Breadon's side. She said,
"I--I'm sorry. I hope you understand, Greg."