Part 22 (2/2)

Joe ended up wryly. ”His mission being to determine what action the West-world might take if the secret group which has determined to make basic changes in the Sov-world socio-economic system was to take action.”

It was the Hungarian who stared now. His eyes bored into Joe's face.

”I do not, of course, admit that, Major Mauser. But where in the world did you receive that strange opinion?”

Joe sat down again. The blood he had lost still bothered him, and he tired easily.

He said, ”From Colonel Kossuth, in Budapest. Another high ranking member of your group.” Joe's eyes went back to Holland and Hodgson.

Quick minded these two might be, but they were being asked to a.s.similate some shocking information.

Joe brought it all out. ”I don't know why it didn't occur to any of us that the problems of the West-world and those of the Sov-world, at long last have become similar, almost identical. Both, following different paths, have achieved the affluent society, so called. But in doing it, both managed to inflict upon themselves a caste system that perpetuated itself, eventually to the detriment of progress. In the past, revolutions used to be accomplished by the ma.s.ses, pushed beyond the point of endurance. A starving lower cla.s.s, trying to change the rules of society so as to realize a better life. But now, in neither West nor in the Sov-world are there any starving. The majority of Lowers and Proletarians are well clothed, fed and housed, and bemused by fracases and trank pills, or their equivalent over there.”

Joe shrugged, the weariness growing. Possibly Nadine had been right, he shouldn't have traveled so soon. ”The best elements in both countries have finally realized that changes must be made. These elements, the more capable, more competent, more intelligent, already _are running_ each country though they are not necessarily Uppers or Party members. Phil Holland here, supposedly a Middle secretary to the Foreign Minister, actually has performed that worthy's work for several administrations. Frank Hodgson is the working head of the Bureau of Investigation, though only a Middle. I a.s.sume a similar situation prevails in Budapest.”

Arpad still stood. ”It does.”

Joe came to his feet, looking to Nadine. He said, ”Gentlemen, I evidently have not recovered from my recent duel as much as I thought.

I had better retire. Meanwhile, I suggest you exchange some notes.”

Nadine hurried to his side, worried.

Holland, Hodgson and Arpad were staring at each other, somewhat like small boys, or strange dogs.

Hodgson grumbled, his voice, for once, forgetting to express laziness, ”Our records show you to be a Sov espionage agent.”

The Hungarian nodded, equally suspicious. ”That is my official position. But I am also secretly a member of the executive committee of the organization of which Major Mauser speaks and have been attempting for some time to get in touch with the West-world underground, if one existed. I had about come to the conclusion that no such group was in existence, until today.”

Joe said, ”Relax boys, and let down your hair. You've got a lot in common. It looks as though, at long last, the Frigid Fracas is beginning to fade away.”

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