The Project Gutenberg EBook of Gambler's World, by John Keith Laumer

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Title: Gambler's World

Author: John Keith Laumer

Release Date: May 28, 2007 [EBook #21627]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

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Transcriber's Notes:

This etext was produced from "Worlds of If" November 1961.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the
U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

Obvious typesetting errors have been corrected.
========================================================

GAMBLER'S
WORLD

By KEITH LAUMER

Illustrated by GAUGHAN

I

Retief paused before a tall mirror to check the overlap of the four sets
of lapels that ornamented the vermilion cutaway of a First Secretary and
Consul.

"Come along, Retief," Magnan said. "The Ambassador has a word to say to
the staff before we go in."

"I hope he isn't going to change the spontaneous speech he plans to make
when the Potentate impulsively suggests a trade agreement along the
lines they've been discussing for the last two months."

"Your derisive attitude is uncalled for, Retief," Magnan said sharply.
"I think you realize it's delayed your promotion in the Corps."

Retief took a last glance in the mirror. "I'm not sure I want a
promotion," he said. "It would mean more lapels."

Ambassador Crodfoller pursed his lips, waiting until Retief and Magnan
took places in the ring of Terrestrial diplomats around him.

"A word of caution only, gentlemen," he said. "Keep always foremost in
your minds the necessity for our identification with the Nenni Caste.
Even a hint of familiarity with lower echelons could mean the failure of
the mission. Let us remember that the Nenni represent authority here on
Petreac. Their traditions must be observed, whatever our personal
preferences. Let's go along now. The Potentate will be making his
entrance any moment."

Magnan came to Retief's side as they moved toward the salon.

"The Ambassador's remarks were addre