Smith would have to send another agent.

CURE's computerized tendrils stretched to the upper reaches of the CIA, FBI, Treasury Department and every other major law-enforcement agency in the nation. Although technically he had thousands of agents at his disposal, there was just one he could personally order into the field. Given the death of Agent Worth, Smith might have considered using him. But his man was already on a mission.

Smith had heard a minor blip out of North Korea three days before. Then nothing. If the Communists had captured or sunk the Darter, it would likely have made news by now.

The likeliest conclusion Smith could reach was that Conrad MacCleary was on his way back home with his special package. But it would still be a few more days. He couldn't wait. He would have to send someone else.

Smith was about to issue the proper surreptitious commands via his computer when he was startled by a ringing telephone. For an instant he wasn't certain of the source. Although he'd had the phone in his office for a number of years now, it had never rung.

Before the red phone could ring a second time, Smith scooped up the receiver.

"Smith, 7-4-4," he said, offering the arranged code. As he spoke, he checked his watch-10:58 on the dot.

"I assume we can consider this a successful test, Smith," said the clear voice on the other end of the line. The man sounded impatient. As if the world were somehow out of sync and he was always hurrying to keep up.

"Yes, sir," Smith replied efficiently. "We can now eliminate our face-to-face meetings. In the event of dire circumstances you may contact me using this line."

"Good. I can't say I liked the idea of you sneaking in and out of here like a common thief. The press would eat me alive if they found out about this. Now, as long as you have me here, do you have anything to report?"