"O.K.," Homer Crawford said glumly, "I can see that this is going to
be one tight knit organization. Six men in love with the one dame ...
ah, that is, lady. Kind of a reverse harem deal. Oh, this is going to
lead to great co-operation."
* * * * *
They laughed again and then Jake said, "Well, what's the story, Homer?
How does the El Hassan project sound to Zetterberg and the Reunited
Nations?"
Cliff Jackson laughed bitterly. "Why do you think we're in hiding?"
Only he and Jake Armstrong wore western clothing. Kenny Ballalou,
Bey-ag-Akhamouk and Elmer Allen were in native dress, similar to that
of Homer Crawford. Elmer Allen even bore a pilgrim's staff.
[Illustration]
Crawford, glad that the edge of tenseness had been taken off the group
by the banter with Isobel, turned serious now.
He said, "This is where we each take our stand. You can turn back at
this point, any one of you, and things will undoubtedly go on as
before. You'll keep your jobs, have no marks against you. Beyond this
point, and there's no turning back. I want you all to think it over,
before coming to any snap decisions."
Elmer Allen said, his face wearing its usual all but sullen
expression. "How about you?"