"If we do that," Recetich said, "somebody's going to find out about the
_Santa Teresa_ treasure. We'll be overrun in no time."
"Maybe so," Sorensen said. "But at the worst, we've cleared expenses.
We've even made a small profit."
"And if we don't get help," Drake said, "we may be in no condition to
take anything out of here."
"The problem isn't as bad as all that," Byrnes said. "We've got guns.
We can take care of the animals."
"You haven't seen the bug yet," Drake said.
"We'll squash it."
"That won't be easy," Drake said. "It's faster than hell. And how are
you going to squash it if it comes into your hut some night while
you're asleep? We could post guards and they wouldn't even see the
thing."
Brynes shuddered involuntarily. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Maybe we'd
better radio for help."
Eakins stood up. "Well, gents," he said, "I guess that means me. I just
hope the batteries on the ketch are up to charge."
"It'll be dangerous going out there," Drake said. "We'll draw lots."