Dumarest hesitated, glancing at the loading area. Two rafts remained, both rapidly filling.

"There'll be more," said the supervisor. "Everyone will get transport."

"When?"

"Later today. The first ones were hired to do a double trip. You'll lose nothing by waiting-at least you'll have cover."

The ones expected had canopies, then. A comfort worth the delay.

"Just a word," said the supervisor, "but let's get into the warm."

His office was snug, adorned with maps, prints, geological schematics. A pile of manganese nodules rested on a table with the assay report beside them. A hammer stood in a corner together with a pair of boots caked with dried mud. A parka hung on a nail behind the door. From a cupboard the supervisor took a bottle and two glasses. Pouring, he offered one to Dumarest then lifted his own.

"Health!"

A toast to which Dumarest responded. The spirit was raw and heavy with the odor of smoke, but his system was grateful for the warmth it gave.

"A bad one," mused his host. "The storm, I mean. We got a special report-but I guess you know that."

"I suspected it when I saw the administrators leave."

"Smart." The supervisor refilled both glasses. "I've been watching you, Earl. You and some others. How are you fixed for a stake?"

"I can manage."

"So I imagined--a pity in a way, but if you were like the rest we wouldn't be talking. I'll make it short. If you want I can offer you a winter job."

Dumarest shook his head.

"Now take your time," urged the supervisor. "Think about it. Shelter and food and warmth until the next season. Subsistence, but a smart man could add to it. One who can handle a deck, for example?" His eyes were direct. "You know what I'm talking about?"

"You've money here," said Dumarest. "Machines, stores, housing, tools, equipment and all the rest of it. It's cheaper to hire guards than to move it."

"That's right. Take on the job and you'll be on the cadre next season. Regular pay, no sweat with the hammer, one of the established. An easy number," he urged. "Extra pay for handling a digger. Just run guard during the winter, do your duty, help entertain the others and you'll not regret it." He frowned as again Dumarest shook his head. "No?"