ese difficult times. Yet, we must always
take the long view! Particularly 'this one time', as you say. Technology
has rushed us into a world without need for strife or conflict, but man
has not yet matured enough for such a world--and he needs release to
prevent dangerous explosions. Believe me, Sir Jacques, it would not be
wise to postpone today's execution!"

The Chief Justice cleared his throat angrily.

"And it's not wise to stand here talking while my court is waiting to
convene," he snapped "Sir Mallory, can't you remind this man of his
oath, his duty, and be done with it?"

Jacques felt his own anger rising.

"I know my oath," he growled, "but--"

"Of course, of course," murmured Sir Mallory, "and the FBIT shares your
feelings. We also deplore--naturally--the idle gossip that is
circulating to build such interest in this execution. But circumstances
are beyond our control, Sir Jacques. As public servants, we must
serve...."

The Chief Justice shook his wig in Jacques' face.

"Your answer, man!" he demanded. "Are you or are you not going to
perform your duty?"

Sir Mallory stepped back, spreading out his hands as if to show Jacques
there was nothing more he could do about it.

Jacques stood tautly erect, impassive, while his mind reeled on a
hairline balance between defiance and submission. He knew that more than
this one issue would be decided by his next words. His entire
professional life was involved, everything he had trained and fought for
since he had been selected for the service at the age of thirteen. A
wrong word, and he could be dismissed by the Bureau. The rest of his
years would be spent in a cubicle in some atom-powered plant, where he'd
have his own button to push for two hours every day. The monotony would
be intolerable after the way he had lived!

But to send his bullets smashing into the body of a woman who might be
Ann.... Sweat trickled down the chiseled furrows of his cheeks. Beside
him, the little squire was a study in still life, poised with one foot
forward, the white tunic still draped on his outstretched arm.

"Sir Jacques, we are waiting for your reply," prompted the cold voice of
the Chief Justice.

A turbulent voice within Jacques urged him to turn his back on all of
them, but prudence counseled that he play for time. From Sir Mallory's
oily manner, he could very well have made up and circulated the gossip
about his supposed past relationship with this condemned woman.