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people were fanning out over the slope with metal detectors

Sans did," he gru free

"Where are they co from?" asked Lily "How did they find out about the project so soon?"

Trinity peered over the rilasses "Mostly local folks

Somebodyin from every state in the Union"

The telephone in the Jeep buzzed, and Trinity answered Then he passed the receiver out theto Pitt

"for you Admiral Sandecker"

Pi" took the call "Yes, Admiral"

"We've been backstabbed; we're no longer on the excavation," Sandecker informed hi the operation over to the Pentagon

"It was to be expected, but I'd have preferred the Park Service They're better equipped for an archaeological dig"

"The White House wants to break into the storage chamber and remove the scrolls for study as quickly as possible They fear a nasty confrontation with countries that ht demand to share in the discovery"

Pitt struck his fist against the roof of the Jeep "Da into trucks as though it was secondhand merchandise The scrolls could crumble to dust if not handled properly"

"The President has accepted responsibility for the gamble"

"The past has no priority over politics, is that it?"

Not the only problem," said Sandecker tersely "Son wire service Word is spreading like the plague"