"Not much," Burnet answered. "My head's a little dizzy, but it takes
more than an easy jar like that to make it dangerous. Forget it."
"But how did you get through the physical for the trip? The metal plate
in your skull should have barred you."
"I'm one of the few who know what the power plant here is like,
remember? Besides, the physical wasn't too steep. And Joe, I'm sorry I
was such a heel to sock you when you couldn't hit me back. You'd have
killed with the blow."
"I know," said Joe. He heard Paul breathing in harsh gasps.
"Paul," he said anxiously.
"It's all right."
"But it isn't! Here, I'll carry you to the first aid room." Joe got up,
lifted Paul to his shoulders.
Joe had carried Paul perhaps a hundred feet when lights flickering on
the walls and the sound of footsteps signaled the advance of the others.
"So," came Arden's voice as the beam from a flashlight centered on
Joe's face, "the rat came out of his hole."
After the blackness, the light hurt Joe's eyes and he lowered his head.
Arden came forward quickly, slapped Joe openhanded across the mouth.
"I've waited a long time for this!" He slapped him again, and Joe felt
the blood trickling from his lips.
Joe lowered Paul Burnet easily to the floor. He wiped his lips with the
back of his hand, said:
"You don't understand. I'm bringing Paul, he's hurt. His skull was
fractured a long time ago, and it's reacting." He knelt beside Burnet,
took the hurt man's wrist. "How are you now, Paul?"