Beyond the Poseidon Adventure Read Online Free PDF Page B

Scott and Rogo. Despite Rogo’s sneering, he had acquitted himself as well as any of them. The many slights that marked his life had been erased. They ran through his mind again now. When the other boys were out in their gangs fishing and climbing trees, James had to stay home and play with the girls. So it had always been for the near invisible man behind a counter in Anaheim: Yes ma’am, and thank you sir, and gee, we’re right out of winter scarves. They heard his words and handed him the money, but barely saw the pink-faced salesman. Now the struggles of the past hours had shown him that he had every man’s desire to face danger and succeed.
    Rogo was going back, Martin did not understand why. But if the adventure was not over, then Martin felt he must play his part in it, as he had done before. For the first time in his life, the man from Anaheim was one of the gang. If Rogo returned, he would too. He rocked forward on his seat and gazed down on the ship. He felt the quickening inside himself. He was excited. The girls and the little boy were sleeping soundly at the back of the helicopter, and he made himself one promise: this time they were not going to leave him with the girls.
    Rogo glowered at the three ships within sight of the Poseidon , as though he could torpedo them with a look. Still, he thought, they were only like the passersby who tried to muscle in on police action in the streets. He’d move them on when he got down there, and anyway the American authorities were sure to send him help soon.
    The warrant officer interrupted his thoughts. “What is it you want us to do exactly?”
    “I already told you,” Rogo answered steadily. “Land near the hole. I’ll jump off. Then get outta here as fast as you can and take these people to safety.”
    He paused and then added: “Hey, look, I know you guys think I’m crazy but would you do me a favor? Have our embassy guys pass the word back to New York what’s happening here? They know what it’s all about. Tell them to get the navy here, and fast. Okay?”
    The Frenchman saw the open concern on Rogo’s face. He gave a curt nod. “They will know soon enough, you may rest assured.”
    Minutes later, the big machine settled with only the slightest of jerks on the keel. Rogo opened the door and swung out. As his feet touched the wreck, Manny Rosen stood up and said, “I’m going too.” He was out of the door before the astonished policeman could speak.
    Rogo grabbed him by the shoulder. He tried one-handed to push Manny back up into the helicopter, but Manny half-wrestled with him and sobbed, “No, Mr. Rogo, please no. My Belle. I can’t leave her there. I didn’t even say a kaddish.”
    It was impossible. Rogo could not force him back without hurting him, and he could not bring himself to hit the old man. His face was red with frustration and fury. He let go of him suddenly and scrambled down into the hole in the propeller shaft. As he vanished he shouted to the French crew, “Do what the hell you want with him. He ain’t with me.”
    Manny, puffed from the exertion, looked up in time to see Martin, eyes shining, leap through the door and land beside him. “Hold on, fellas,” he cried. “I’m coming too.”
    The warrant officer looked out on the ludicrous scene. It was beyond all rational explanation. Three rescued men were returning to their highly probable deaths. He tried addressing them calmly. “Listen to me, please, gentlemen. I have not the slightest idea why you are doing this madness. I will help you in any way I can. But if you refuse to come back there is nothing I can do. I am not prepared to be shot trying to save you. I beg you to come now, or we must leave without you. There are the other passengers to consider.”
    Rogo’s face appeared at the hole. It was a gargoyle of rage. “You stupid little jerk! Beat it or I’ll put your ass in a sling. You too, Manny. Get out. This has nothing to do with you two!”
    Manny did not seem