Sweat burst from Joel's face. He expected to be rayed down any moment. He said, "Tamis was my contact. I have information—vital information." He could scent the Ganelons closing in. Eriss was staring at him with flaming yellow-gray eyes.
"What sort of information?" he demanded.
Joel said, "Mutants are in control of all government posts. True mutants. They are fighting for the same things that the Ganelons are. Freedom!
"You've organized the worst elements among us, the unbalanced, the criminally insane. You've helped them to devise weapons, given them unlimited power. They'll turn on you in the end, ferret you out...."
A frown was gathering on Walt Eriss' forehead. He glanced a question at his lieutenants. They shrugged.
Joel saw that they were about to catch on. He said quickly, "Governor Cameron and a party of mutants have barricaded themselves in the palace. They want to arbitrate. Relay message. This is Joel Hakkyt. Contact Tamis. She will verify...."
"By George!" roared Eriss. "He's communicating with the Ganelons!"
He leaped to his feet, sending the deal table over with a crash, struck Joel in the mouth. "Take him off and ray him!"
The blow knocked Joel sprawling. He scrambled to his feet, his head ringing. Two men seized him by the arms. But Eriss wheeled back.
"Wait," said the ex-surgeon. He gave Joel a shrewd look. "Any more information?"