Before Egypt

"You'll be all right in a few minutes," he said. "We have to take it slow and easy or you'll get the bends."

While he worked he was asking himself questions. Who? In God's name--why? What reason had anyone for attacking the ship? There was nothing of value aboard. He had no enemies--to his knowledge--in this part of the universe.

* * * * *

Doree was trying to speak. Her throat worked. Her eyes were frantic. Mike got her legs straightened out without sending her into screaming pain. Now she was rising into a sitting position on her own power.

"Took--took--Fa--him--" she whispered hoarsely.

"Your father--where is he?"

"McKee--Talbott--took him!"

"Who in the hell are McKee and Talbott?"

Gradually, her throat unlocked. "They came in and took him--carried him out."

"I asked you who they were."

Tears welled in her eyes. She bit her lower lip and tried to contro