“In any case, the Canadian government conferred with Washington, and it was decided to send a joint team up to Alaska composed of Professor Crowell, Lou Mayer and myself.” He glanced toward the doorway and added sourly, “We didn’t count on it ending up a three-nation team.”
“How did they find out?” Sandy wanted to know.
Dr. Steele shrugged. “They have the most efficient espionage system in the world. That we have to give them credit for.”
Sandy pursed his lips solemnly. “But they still don’t know what the element is?”
“Or how it’s employed in the manufacture of the rocket fuel,” Professor Crowell declared emphatically. “I’m the only one who can tell them that. And I’ll die first.”
“Watch it,” Jerry cautioned. “I think I hear them coming back.”
The sound of approaching footsteps reverberated hollowly through the mine. Strak appeared in the doorway alone. “Kruger and Malik have gone down the mountain to help Parker clear a runway,” he told them. “We’ll be taking off with a heavy load.”
Sandy made a quick mental count. “That plane will never get off the ground with ten of us.”
Strak smiled. “I agree. But there are only seven of us who will be making the trip.”
“What do you mean?” Dr. Steele demanded.