But I am, after all, a scientist. I was more than startled
by it, too. I had never seen them so busy, either. said this crotchety one, looking straight at
me. Then he said, "What? "I can see you," I said. "No, wait!" I said. They continued to scurry. I knew what it was they feared. I
said. But the glade was silent, and they had all disappeared. But I was after no gold. I looked at it more closely. I knew they were all hiding nearby, watching me
apprehensively. I lifted my head to them. I called out. Then I waited, but they didn't answer. The glade remained deathly silent. "Good morning," I said. "Good morning," the foreman said with some caution. "My name is Keech." "And mine's Houlihan, as I've told you. "Yes," I said. "Well, as you will quickly see, all I want to do is
talk." "Any Irishman wants to talk, Mr. Houlihan." "Have your say, Mr. Houlihan. "Well, now, your work," I said, and glanced at the spaceship. I took out my pipe. I said. "A doctor of science, now," said Keech. "A scientist, is it," said Keech. "Well, now, that's very interesting." "I'll make no apologies for it," I said. "Oh, there's no need for apology," said Keech. I asked. "Well, I might try starting at the beginning," he replied. "You might," I said. "Well, now," he said, "first of
all you're no doubt surprised to find us here in America." "I am surprised from time to time to find myself here," I said. "But
continue." "Myself included," I agreed. I scratched my cheek. "It's very simple. "There _is_ that possibility," I said. Well--almost how to do
it. "Leaving the planet, you say. "Truly we are, Mr. Houlihan. Now--to business. You say you are a scientist." "A nuclear engineer." "The power control, Mr. Houlihan. "That is exactly what crossed my mind." "Well, now, Keech," I said finally, "why should I help you?" The pot o'
gold, Mr. "Go ahead." "Well, now, that's quite an offer," I said. "Let's have a look," I said, and that was all. It was a most fascinating session. It
is not difficult to understand why. "Here is your equation," I said. "Thank you, Mr. Houlihan," said Keech. They were all looking at me
quietly. "Thank you," I said. "I'll not be needing the gold," I said. "I'll not be needing it," I repeated. He turned to his people. And they cheered. We shook hands, all of us, and I left. I had given them the wrong equation, of
course.