"Aren't you a bit behindhand in arriving at that conclusion?" the Irishman
suggested with an ill-dissembled sneer.

"No, Eleven," Number One replied, mildly, "since I arrived at it some time
since."

"But took no measures--"

"You are in a position to state that as a fact?"

Eleven shrugged lightly. "Need I be? Does not our situation speak for
itself?"

"Since you cannot be as thoroughly acquainted as I am with the situation,
and since it seems I am required to account for my leadership or surrender
it to you, Eleven ... I believe you have selected yourself to replace me as
Number One, have you not?--that is to say, in the improbable event of my
abdication."

"Improbable?" repeated the Irishman. "I wouldn't call it that."

"You are right," Number One assented, gravely: "unthinkable is the word.
But you haven't answered my question."

"Oh, as for that, if the Council should see fit to appoint me Number One,
I'd naturally do my best."

"And most noble of you, I'm sure. But rather than bring down any such
disaster upon this organization, I will say now that measures have already
been taken, and I am to-night in a position to promise you that the new