At Swords' Point Read Free Page B

remained silent and waited. He had learned that trick fromhis father. Let the other fellow do the talking when you aren't sure of your ground — reserve your fire until you can at least estimate the strength of the opposition. Because van Norreys might well prove to be opposition now.
    That moment of quiet was broken first by van Norreys’ companion. He had kept his eyes on Quinn, as the other had been aware, ever since he had opened the door to him. Now when he spoke it was with some authority.
    â€œNo dice, chief. You're not going to be able to talk him out of anything. Come Hades or high water he's go for broke on this. Look at that stubborn jaw of his!”
    To Quinn's surprise van Norreys laughed. “Meet Sam Marusaki,” he said. “And when did you become personnel director, Sam?”
    The Japanese-American shrugged. “All right, chief. But it's no use to try and change his mind about this. I'm just giving you fair warning!”
    Van Norreys had been studying Quinn's serious face in his turn. Now his hands went up in a curious foreign gesture of surrender.
    â€œUndoubtedly you are right, Sam. So now we have only two hours in which to brief this stubborn young man —”
    â€œTwo hours?” Quinn was honestly puzzled.
    â€œYou have already booked a seat on the night plane of K.L.M., have you not?”
    Quinn was forced to admit that. He had made the reservation only that morning by phone from the inn. How van Norreys had learned of it he didn't know, but he wasn't going to give either of these two the satisfaction of seeing him show surprise.
    â€œWell, well, well,” Marusaki drawled. “Do another revision, chief. He doesn't turn one little hair. Looks as if we hauled in something bigger than we first thought.”

    â€œIt is all right, I tell you!” Van Norreys allowed impatience to roughen his voice. “Sending babes and children out like this! I cannot accept the responsibility!”
    Marusaki chuckled. “Babes and children, is it? And what deeds were you engaged in at his age, chief? Playing ball in the backlot? I think not!”
    â€œThat was a totally different matter. There was a war —”
    â€œOn? Sure. And that war isn't over yet. Maybe the lineup on each side is a bit changed these days, but the fighting's still going on — both out in the open and underground. I say take what good fortune provides and be glad to lay your mit on one like this!”
    He turned around abruptly, counted down the wall drawers, and pulled one out. From it he took a flat metal box which he placed before van Norreys on the table. At first the Netherlander raised his hand as if to push it away. And, when he saw that, Marusaki ostentatiously consulted his watch.
    â€œOne hour and fifty-five minutes to go,” he announced brightly.
    â€œAll right!” Van Norreys jerked the box open. “If he plans to go anyway — I can't stop him.”
    â€œI could have told you from the minute I laid eyes on him that you couldn't. It's okay, sonny,” Marusaki said to Quinn. “The chief will give you his blessing. And that is going to be worth more than ten grand to you — when you know how to use it. Let's have that watch you're wearing —”
    Quinn's fingers went to the band about his left wrist. But he did not unfasten it. “Why?”
    â€œListen,” Marusaki returned with the weary patience of one explaining to a small and stubborn child. “You are going overseas, intending to play hunt the button with some very tough guys, people who've forgotten more about such fun and games than we Americans ever learnin a lifetime. And they play for keeps, too. When you go in for a full nine innings in this game, sonny, you'd better be sure of the strength of the team on your side. That's only common sense. You aren't taking this on with any official pat on the back, are you?”
    Quinn shook his head.
    â€œWell then, we can