e able to dig up a few local chieftains and
some of the Security Police heads."

They shook their heads. "It has to be somebody big," Natt Roberts said
thickly, "a few of my Security Police won't do it."

Joe Chessman's eyes went to Reif. "The Khan is the highest ranking
Texcocan of all," he said, finally. "The Khan and some Security Police
heads would satisfy them."

Reif's face was as frigid as the Earthman's. He said, "I am afraid not,
Joseph Chessman. You are Number One. It is your statue that is in every
commune square. It is your portrait that hangs in every distribution
center, every messhall, every schoolroom. You are the Number One--as you
have so often pointed out to us. My title has become meaningless."

Joe Chessman spat out a curse, fumbled the gun into his hand and fired
before the Tulan soldiers could get to him. In a moment they had wrested
the weapon from his hand and had his arms pinioned. It was too late.

Reif had been thrown backward two paces by the blast of the
heavy-calibered gun. Now he held a palm over his belly and staggered to
a chair. He collapsed into it, looked at his son, let a wash of
amusement pass over his face, said, "Khan," meaninglessly, and died.

Natt Roberts shrilled at Chessman, "You fool, we were going to give you
a big, theatrical trial. Sentence you to prison and then, later, claim
you'd died in your cell and smuggle you out to the _Pedagogue_."

Watson snapped to the guards, "Take him outside and shoot him."

The Tulans began dragging the snarling, cursing Chessman to the door.

Taller said, "A moment, please."

Watson, Roberts and Hawkins looked to him.

Taller said, "This perhaps can be done more effectively."

His voice was completely emotionless. "This man has killed both my
father and grandfather, both of them Khans of Tula, heads of the most
powerful city on all Texcoco, before the coming of you Earthlings."

The guards hesitated. Watson detained them with a motion of his hand.

Taller said, "I suggest you turn him over to me, to be dealt with in the
traditional way of the People."

"No," Chessman said hoarsely. "Barry, Dick, Natt, send me back to the
_Pedagogue_. I'll be out of things there. Or maybe Mayer can use me on
Genoa."

They didn't bother to look in his direction. Roberts muttered savagely,
"We told you all that was needed was a spark. Now you've killed the
Khan, the most popular man on Texcoco. There's no way of saving you."

Taller said,