The appearance of Tarman and Croul, and the revelation of the great science of the world of the future seemed an opportunity that would be criminal to reject. He could not understand Kennely's refusal to attempt to go there because of the supposed danger.
These men of the future seemed civilized. An idea of their morality was indicated by their reaction to the engineers' withholding the coordinator. They obviously viewed that as the mark of an inferior culture.
There could hardly be extreme danger in attempting to force a visit to their world. Their reluctance to establish contact could surely be overcome.
But there was another factor, one of the main factors, he admitted to himself. His life had been chained to a slide rule and a desk while Kennely had spent his in adventuring around the world. This was the opportunity for adventure that no deskhound, handbook engineer could afford to pass up no matter what the cost.
The cost —
Martha, Kip and Pat. They represented all the real values of his life. There might be a chance of his not coming back —
He had to take that chance, he told himself desperately. Any man in his place would have to take it. Perhaps to Kennely, who had adventured all his life, it didn't seem like much. Perhaps the mere acquisition of the coordinator was enough for him, but to Devon the personal exploration of that future world was even more important than the machine. Besides, what other marvels might be obtained?
His mind was definitely made up. He'd go down to the plant around ten and try to make contact with Tarman and Croul. He'd offer to release the coordinator instantly if they'd take him along. They couldn't refuse a request like that.
When Devon arrived home, Martha had a steaming dinner ready. He thought she had never looked quite so pretty as she did that night in the blue gingham and with her face flushed gently with the effort of getting dinner.
"Kip and Pat are ready, darling," she said. "You're late — as usual. Something important doing tonight?"