Scotty grinned at Rick's expression of resignation. "Better give up," he advised.
Jan hadn't said anything. She just looked at Rick in a beseeching way that said as much as all Barby's arguments.
Rick shook his head unhappily. He knew when he was licked. Come right down to it, he didn't have the say-so on Jan leaving the island, anyway. He had taken a stand against her going to Whiteside, based half on intuition and half on the knowledge that a secret soon ceases to be one when it's flaunted in public. And Jan's presence was a part of the big secret of Spindrift.
He stood up and shrugged. "Chances are it will be all right. But if Jan is recognized by any of the enemy..."
"Steve isn't even sure there is an enemy," Barby pointed out swiftly. "How can you be so sure?"
Rick didn't answer. He turned and went into the house, the others at his heels. In the library, he consulted the schedule Steve had given them, so they would know where to reach him at any time. The agent was at JANIG headquarters in Washington today.
Rick got the number, and asked for Steve's extension. In a moment he had the agent on the wire.
"Let's scramble," he said, and threw the switch. Then, "Steve, Barby wants to take Jan to Whiteside. What do you think?"
Steve hesitated before he answered, "It's a little hard to give reasons why she shouldn't go, Rick. Have you checked her on the cover story?"
"Not yet. I will, though, if you say the word."