"Something important is going on," Mary Uzich said to him in a low, shrewd voice. "When will we know?"
"Soon," Cartwright said.
"I think you handled this wrong," Bill Konklin said to Cartwright. "You shouldn't send them out this way. They have a right to know."
"I trust you, Mr. Cartwright," Janet Sibley gasped timidly, sweeping past Cartwright with an armload of things.
The Japanese optical workers bowed stiffly, smiled, and hurried out. Gradually the room emptied. Butler and Flood shot looks of suspicion at Cartwright, then reluctantly followed the others. Presently only Cartwright and his black-eyed niece remained.
Cartwright sagged. "I'm glad that's over."
Rita was breathing rapidly. "How dare they talk to you like that?"
"They're afraid. The unknown is always worse than the known."
"Are we going to keep the office open?" Rita moved swiftly about the room, putting things in order. "Keep printing leaflets?"
Cartwright didn't answer.
"I never pictured the great moment like this. They spoiled it by questioning you and attacking you. They have no faith."
"Can't be helped," Cartwright said mildly.
Rita came to his side. "You know, it's really happened."
Yes, it had happened... up to a point. He, as leader of the Preston Society, had managed to get himself selected as the new Quizmaster. That in itself was no small feat; in addition, he had manoeuvred the Society's ship into the first lap of a long journey. He had done a great thing for their pioneer, John Preston, and for mankind itself. But——
"How long do you suppose it'll take them to set up the Challenge Convention?" In a sudden, gloomy rush of emotion he told the girl: "I can keep my new power, protect the ship, for only so long—and then they'll destroy me."