by little, the first shock of
encountering an alien culture seemed to be wearing off--yet he knew
there were still many mind-twisting problems to face.

Shortly after he had braced himself against the sponge-lined
bulkheads, a great shock travelled transversely through the ship,
followed by a dozen or more lesser shudders. Metal groaned and creaked
all about him, and the room temperature noticeably increased.

* * * * *

Left to himself, Dollard immediately began to formulate new plans.
Searching his garments, he was relieved to find a pocket still
contained the bag of glittering Syrtis diamonds with which he had
hoped long ago to bribe Venusian officials. The gems might prove
equally useful now in cementing his position with the Tegurians. He
was angered however to find his flame pistols and stunner had been
taken away from him.

He decided that immediately after his presentation to the leaders, he
would ask for the privilege of inspecting their factories and other
technological facilities. There had never been erected an industrial
plant yet, whose efficiency couldn't in some way be improved, Dollard
knew.

By making himself practicably useful, Dollard knew that in time he
could build up a personal organization that eventually would result in
the acquisition of a new financial empire.

All of course hinged upon the very vital conference with the upper
echelon of Tegurian rulers.

But, at least it could be said that Edwin Dollard had proved himself
capable of dealing with fortune on its toughest terms. Now, he was in
the home stretch of his new career.

Seconds after, the Tegurian ship landed with a thunderous jolt. The
engine throb died away and silence reigned along the corridors.
Dollard found his breath painfully short as renewed anxiety gripped
him. This was the crucial moment.

A panel slid open and Shir K'han appeared. "Come," he said. "The
leaders have been notified and are waiting at the banquet hall."

"Splendid," said Dollard, rubbing his hands together. "If things work
out to advantage for me, I'll remember you, Shir K'han."

The Tegurian's yellow eyes blinked as if he had not heard.

Outside, Dollard's lungs expanded to draw in deep gulps of the
luxuriant tropical air that characterized a warmer Terra. At a
considerable distance from the nearly deserted spaceport, he saw that
a brilliant city of high towers capped by narrow glass spires raised
its shining str