"Quiet, Burke. And never mind the side remarks, Tex. This is an investigation, not a debate. You know the Patrol never sends marines until they've tried negotiation, Burke."
"Sure, that's why I specified marines. I wanted them to cut the red tape and get some action."
"You were kidding yourself. And there's no point in talking about what you'll do when you get back. We don't know yet that we can get back."
"That's true." Burke chewed his lip and thought about it. "Look here, Jensen, you and I were never very chummy in school, but that's unimportant now; we're in the same boat and we've got to stick together. I've got a proposition. You know these frogs better than I do-"
"People, not 'frogs.'"
"Okay, you know the natives. If you can manage to square this and get me out of here, I can cut you in on-"
"Careful there, Burke!"
"Don't get on your high horse. Just hear me out, will you? Just listen. Do I have free speech or don't I?"
"Let him talk, Oz," advised Tex. "I like to watch his tonsils." :
Oscar held his tongue, Burke went on, "I wasn't going to suggest anything that would smirch your alabaster character. After all, you're here to get me out of this; it's my business if I want to offer a reward. Now this swamp we staked out is loaded with the stuff-trans-uranics, all the way from element 97 through 104. I don't have to tell you what that means-101 and 103 for jet-lining alloys; 100 for cancer therapy-not to mention the catalyzing uses. Why, there's millions in catalysts alone. I'm no hog; I'll cut you all in ... say for ten per cent apiece."