The Earthman's jaw sagged. "'Y God!" he muttered in English, staring
at the approaching Weapon.

"Indeed," said the Weapon, "this appears to be a creature I could
learn to abhor and kill. If only its thoughts equal its
appearance--Speak, Human!"

The man said nothing.

"Mighty Weapon," murmured the Fool, "this Human is truly an ignoble
monster. He has been in captivity for five years and has yet to speak
a word of our beautiful language instead of his own barbaric tongue."

"You fool!" shouted Tresqu. "How is the Weapon going to converse with
him? Why did you bring one that cannot talk?"

Not in the least disconcerted, the Fool replied, "As you ordered, good
master, I brought the worst specimen available. However, the
possibility of linguistic difficulties was not overlooked. I have here
a dictionary of his language, recently compiled by our Alien Affairs
staff." He produced a large volume of manuscript from beneath his
cloak.

"Your Fool shows wisdom, petty lord," spoke the Weapon. "I will study
this book. Know the language, know the people, it is wisely said. In
fact, I originated that saying myself some three thousand years ago, I
believe. Unship any supplies brought for the Human and begone. Three
days will suffice for the arousal of my wrath. Return then."

"As you wish, O Mightiest of All." Tresqu bowed gawkily. "It is my
most ardent desire, Wondrous Guide, that we, your servants, will not
be obliged to disturb your peace again for a thousand centuries, once
this affair is concluded."

"And mine," the Weapon snapped crossly. "Now leave me."

* * * * *

The man watched the Hovans enter their cruiser and fly away. Looking
at the Weapon hovering nearby, he squatted on his heels and pulled up
a blade of purple grass to chew. Minutes passed in silence. Then the
Weapon moved away, the book bobbing along behind, supported by some
unseen force.

When it was out of sight, the man muttered, "'Y God, I've saw
fireballs in my time, but that's the first one I ever saw settin' in a
bucket!"

After a thoughtful examination of his surroundings, the man stood up
and walked to the packing cases the Hovans had left. All but one
contained the synthetic food product to which he had grown accustomed
in his five years of captivity. The other box, rather small, contained
a shredded vegetable which served him as a poor substitute for chewing
tobacco. Purple when growing, the leaves of this ve