lities of a
Reformation. But that can come later. Now I wish to expand on my reason
for gathering you.

"Honorables, Genoa is to change rapidly. To survive, you will have to
move fast. I have not introduced these revolutionary changes without
self-interest. Each of you are free to use them to his profit, however,
I expect a thirty per cent interest."

There was a universal gasp.

Olderman said, "Honorable Mayer, you have already demonstrated your
devices. What is there to prevent us from playing you false?"

Mayer laughed. "My dear Olderman, I have other inventions to reveal as
rapidly as you develop the technicians, the workers, capable of building
and operating them. If you cheat me now, you will be passed by next
time."

Russ muttered, "Thirty per cent! Your wealth will be unbelievable."

"As fast as it accumulates, Honorables, it shall be invested. For
instance, I have great interest in expanding our inadequate
universities. The advances I expect will only be possible if we educate
the people. Field serfs are not capable of running even that simple
steam engine Jerry demonstrated."

Baron Leonar said, "What you contemplate is mind-shaking. Do I
understand that you wish a confederation of all our cities? A joining
together to combat the strength of the present lords?"

Mayer was shaking his head. "No, no. As the barons lose power, each of
your cities will strengthen and possibly expand to become nations.
Perhaps some will unite. But largely you will compete against each other
and against the nations of the other continents. In such competition
you'll have to show your mettle, or go under. Man develops at his
fastest when pushed by such circumstance."

The Earthling looked off, unseeing, into a far corner of the room. "At
least, so is my contention. Far away from here a colleague is trying to
prove me wrong. We shall see."

V.

Leonid Plekhanov returned to the _Pedagogue_ with a certain ceremony. He
was accompanied by Joe Chessman, Natt Roberts and Barry Watson of his
original group, but four young, hard-eyed, hard-faced and armed Tulans
were also in the party. Their space lighter swooped in, nestled to the
_Pedagogue's_ hull in the original bed it had occupied on the trip from
Terra City, and her port opened to the corridors of the mother ship.

Plekhanov, flanked by Chessman and Watson, strode heavily toward the
ship's lounge. Natt Roberts and two of the Tulans remained with the
small boat. T