Phil McGivern snorted his contempt.

Casey went on, an eye taking in the fact that Walters, laid out on the floor, had stirred and groaned softly. “Among our number are some capable of charting world development. By extrapolation, they have concluded that if your policies are continued nuclear war will break out within three years.”

The other flushed in anger, finding trouble in controlling his voice. “Spies! Subversives! Make no mistake about it. Jakes, as you call yourself, we realize you’re nothing more than cat’s-paws for the Polarians.”

The self-named Pacifist chuckled sourly. “You should know better. Senator. Our organization is as active on the Northern Hemisphere as it is on this one.” Suddenly he came quickly to his feet and bent over Walters who had begun to stir. Casey’s hand flicked out and clipped the other across the jawbone. The secretary collapsed again, without sound.

Warren Casey returned to his chair. “The point is that our experts are of the opinion that you’ll have to drop out of politics. Senator McGivern. I suggest a resignation for reasons of health within the next week.”

There was quick rage, then steaming silence while thought processes went on. “And Fredric?” McGivern growled finally. Casey shrugged. “He will be freed as soon as you comply.”

The other’s eyes narrowed. “How do you know I’ll stick to my promise? A contract made under duress has no validity.”

Casey said impatiently, “Having Fredric in our hands now is a minor matter, an immediate bargaining point to emphasize our position. Senator, we have investigated you thoroughly. You have a wife of whom you are moderately fond, and a mistress whom you love. You have three adult children by your first wife, and four grandchildren. You have two children by your second wife, Fredric and Janie. You have a living uncle and two aunts, and five first cousins. Being a politician, you have many surface friends, which we shall largely ignore, but you also know some thirty persons who mean much to you.”