When they had withdrawn McCracken leaned over Morgan the better to hear his weak words. “Don’t be too sure you’ve seen the last of me, Captain. I might join up in a few days.”
“You might at that. I’m going to leave you bundled up warm and plenty of water within reach. I’ll leave you some pills, too-that’ll give you some comfort and ease. Only half a pill for you-they’re intended for cows.” He grinned at his patient.
“Half a pill it is. Why not let Dad handle the evacuation? He’ll make you a good deputy-and I’d like to talk with you until you leave.”
“Right.” He called Carter over, instructed him, and turned back to Morgan.
“After you join up with Powell’s outfit,” whispered Morgan, “your first job is to get into touch with Brockman. Better get Mrs. Carter started right away, once you’ve talked it over with Powell.”
“I will.”
“That’s the most important thing we’ve got to worry about, Doc. We’ve got to have unity, and one plan, from coast to coast. I look forward to a day when there will be an American assigned, by name, to each and every one of them. Then at a set time-zzzt!” He drew a thumb across his throat.
McCracken nodded. “Could be. It will be. How long do you think it will take us?”
“I don’t know. I don’t think about ‘how long’. Two years, five years, ten years-maybe a century. That’s not the point. The only question is whether or not there are any guts left in America.” He glanced out where the fifth person to leave was awaiting a signal from Carter, who in turn was awaiting a signal from Art, hidden out where he could watch for the helicopter. “Those people will stick.”
“I’m sure of that.”
Presently Morgan added, “There’s one thing this has taught me: You can’t enslave a free man. Only person can do that to a man is himself. No, sir-you can’t enslave a free man. The most you can do is kill him.”
“That’s a fact, Ed.”
“It is. Got a cigarette, Doc?”
“It won’t do you any good, Ed.”
“It won’t do me any harm, either-now, will it?”
“Well, not much.” McCracken unregretfully gave him his last and watched him smoke it.
Later, Morgan said, “Dad’s ready for you, Captain. So long.”
“So long. Don’t forget. Half a pill at a time. Drink all the water you want, but don’t take your blankets off, no matter how hot you get.”
“Half a pill it is. Good luck.”
“I’ll have Ted check on you tomorrow.” Morgan shook his head. “That’s too soon. Not for a couple of days at least.”
McCracken smiled. “I’ll decide that, Ed. You just keep yourself wrapped up. Good luck.” He withdrew to where Carter waited for him. “You go ahead, Dad. I’ll bring up the rear. Signal Art to start.”
Carter hesitated. “Tell me straight, Doc. What kind of shape is he in?”
McCracken studied Carter’s face, then said in a low voice, “I give him about two hours.”
“I’ll stay behind with him.”
“No, Dad, you’ll carry out your orders.” Seeing the distress in the old man’s eyes, he added, “Don’t you worry about Morgan. A free man can take care of himself. Now get moving.”
“Yes, sir.”