"That's true, but—"
"You're worrying about life among the Robots, are you? From every rumor I've heard, you can live like a king, like the days before World War III ruined our civilization. What do you say, Tom? An opportunity like this doesn't often come."
"Well—"
"Of course, if you're afraid ... but I thought you were made of the same stuff as your father, the only leader I have ever served faithfully."
"That's enough, Harry!" Young Burwood's voice broke. "I'll go with you."
"I knew you would. You're just like your father, Tom. There's one thing I want to do first...." The two whispered together for a time, then Starbuck drifted back toward the rear of the column and permitted himself to straggle until he was out of sight of the rear guard, first making arrangements for the prisoner, Johnny Hope, to be taken off the trail into the woods. Tom Burwood, meanwhile, double-timed up toward the head of the column.
"Diane, I was looking for you."
"Hello, Tom. What is it?"
"Some one wants to see you. Rear of the column."