chip in his pocket so the Technicians wouldn't
see it. "Thanks," he said. North stepped outside the apartment door and
watched the five men go down the hall. He was about to go back in when
he heard footsteps behind him. Turning he saw his aunt and uncle
rushing towards him. His aunt swiftly grabbed him in her arms. "Are you
all right, North?" she asked.
59 "I'm fine," he told her. "Please come in and see to mother. She's
not taking this well."
60 "What happened?" asked North's uncle.
61 "Come into the office," North told him. Motioning his uncle to sit
in his father's chair, North sat down opposite him, and told him
everything that had happened. When he was done, North saw that his
uncle was gripping the arms of the chair very tightly, and for several
moments could say nothing.
62 Finally the older man spoke. "By The Holy Ghost, North! You've got
more courage than some men ten times your age! If I'd had a son, I would have wanted him to be like you. I agree with
the Guard Officer. If you haven't been arrested by now, you probably
won't be. I'll do all in my power to become your Guardian, and save
what of your estate I can. Do you know where your father keeps his
records? It's a damned good thing I'm an Accountant! I'm going to be
busy tonight!"
63 North took out the keys, opened the drawers of the desk, and showed
his uncle where all the books were. Then, North went over the papers
with him, showing him what little he knew. They were interrupted when
his aunt came in. "North," she
pleaded, "your mother needs a Doctor. I can't calm her down. She needs
professional help."
64 "All right," North sighed. "I'll see if I can reach Dr. Cloud. '' He
went to call the family Doctor. When he finally got through, it was to
the Doctor's flier. The old Physician had heard the first newscasts
about North's father and was already headed to their apartment. He was
in sight of their building, and would be there in five or six minutes.
65 North thanked him, then told his aunt to open the door and wait for
the Doctor. The Doctor did his best to comfort