"Why?" she said simply. "The fact of the matter is that Balt and I are continually at each other. He is quite the active member of the Nathan Hale society."
Joe frowned his ignorance and looked at Holland.
Holland chuckled. "An ultra-conservative—reactionary might be the better term—organization devoted to witch hunting and such in its efforts to maintain the status quo, major. Once again, history repeats itself. Such groups invariably evolve when basic change threatens a socio-economic system." He looked at Nadine. "I must be going, my dear. My, how charming you look. If this is the customary garb whilst going a-gliding, I shall have to take up the sport."
"Why Phil, inane words of flattery from serious old you?"
Joe squirmed inwardly, wondering again upon what basis was the friendship of Nadine Haer and Philip Holland.
The butler entered and said, "A call for Major Mauser, if you please."
Only Max Mainz, his batman during his last fracas and now permanently attached to Joe, knew that he might be found at this address. Joe said to Nadine, "Would you pardon me for a moment? I assume it's something important, or I wouldn't be disturbed."
She said, demurely, "Undoubtedly one of the feminine members of a Joe Mauser buff club."
He snorted amusement and followed the butler to the library and the tele-screen.
Max Mainz's face loomed in the viewing screen. As soon as Joe appeared, he said, "Major, sir, the marshal's been trying to get hold of you ever since you left the hotel."