"I was thinking," I persisted. "I'd like to have a talk with George
Prince."
Ah, my pounding, tumultuous heart! But I was smiling calmly. And I
tried to put into my voice a shrewd note of cupidity. "I really know
very little about this treasure, Miko. If there were a million or two
of gold leaf in it for me--"
"Perhaps there would be."
"Suppose you let me have a talk with Prince? I have some scientific
knowledge myself about the powers of this catalyst. Prince's knowledge
and mine--we might be able to come to a calculation on the value of
Grantline's treasure. You don't know. You are only assuming."
I paused after this glib outburst. Whatever may have been in Miko's
mind, I cannot say. But abruptly he stood up. I had left my bunk but
he waved me back.
"Sit down. I am not like Moa. I would not trust you just because you
protested you would be loyal." He picked up his cylinder. "We will
talk again." He gestured to the scrolls he had left upon my desk.
"Work on those. I will judge you by the results."
He was no fool, this brigand leader.
"Yes," I agreed. "You want a true course to the asteroid?"
"Yes. And by the gods, I warn you, I can check up on you!"
I said meekly, "Very well. But you ask Prince if he wants my
calculations on Grantline's possibilities."
I shot Miko a foxy look as he stood by the door. I added, "You think
you are clever. There is plenty you don't know. Our first night out
from Earth--Grantline's signals--didn't it ever occur to you that I
might have some figures on his treasure?"