nting to take a little vacation trip back to our old
time-space, but it doesn't look as though I'll be able to do it until
after they get some age and settle down."

"That won't be too long. Life-spans lengthen, you know, as races
approach their norms."

"Yes. But none of the others is having half the trouble that I am. Most
of them, in fact, have things coming along just about the way they want
them. My four planets are raising more hell than all the rest of both
galaxies put together, and I know that it isn't me--next to you, I'm the
most efficient operator we've got. What I'm wondering about is why I
happen to be the goat."

"Precisely because you _are_ our most efficient operator." If an
Eddorian can be said to smile, the All-Highest smiled. "You know, as
well as I do, the findings of the Integrator."

"Yes, but I am wondering more and more as to whether to believe them
unreservedly or not. Spores from an extinct life-form--suitable
environments--operation of the laws of chance--Tommyrot! I am beginning
to suspect that chance is being strained beyond its elastic limit, for
my particular benefit, and as soon as I can find out who is doing that
straining there will be one empty place in the Innermost Circle."

"Have a care, Gharlane!" All levity, all casualness disappeared. "Whom
do you suspect? Whom do you accuse?"

"Nobody, as yet. The true angle never occurred to me until just now,
while I have been discussing the thing with you. Nor shall I either
suspect or accuse, ever. I shall determine, then I shall act."

"In defiance of _me_? Of _my_ orders?" the All-Highest demanded, his
short temper flaring.

"Say, rather, in support," the lieutenant shot back, unabashed. "If some
one is working on me through my job, what position are you probably
already in, without knowing it? Assume that I am right, that these four
planets of mine got the way they are because of monkey business inside
the Circle. Who would be next? And how sure are you that there isn't
something similar, but not so far advanced, already aimed at you? It
seems to me that serious thought is in order."

"Perhaps so.... You may be right.... There have been a few
nonconformable items. Taken separately, they did not seem to be of any
importance; but together, and considered in this new light...."

Thus was borne out the conclusion of the Arisian Elders that the
Eddorians would not at that time deduce Arisia; and thus Eddore lost its
chance to begi