with its forepaws on the fellow's
shoulder, looked out of the aircar's window. No one seemed to find
anything peculiar in the dog's actions, its owner merely patting it as
it stood there, as Hanlon could feel through the dog's senses.

Now Hanlon could see they were nearing some mountains, and took
particular notice of everything that might be remembered as a landmark.
Soon they were settling down into a little hidden valley, where there
was a fairly large space-freighter.

They led him into this ship, and he lost the dog, so could not see just
where they were taking him. Finally he sensed they were in a small room,
and the adhesive was ripped from his face.

The leader and Panek stood in the small cabin with Hanlon.

"This is to be your cabin. Sorry for the precautions, but you can see
why, I am sure. But if you behave, and make a good record, you won't
have to ... uh ... worry about them any more. Take-off almost
immediately, so we have to leave. Safe flights, and I hope you make out
all right."

He looked fixedly at Hanlon for a long, long minute, and the young man,
returned his gaze as steadily.

"I'll do my job," Hanlon said honestly after that moment--but it was his
job for the Secret Service he meant. "Good-bye, and thanks. Thank you,
too, Panek, for your help."

"Glad to've done it, Pal, glad to."

"See you in four months, then," and the two left.

Hanlon stored his luggage in the racks made for it, then started to go
outside and see what was going on. But the door was locked.

"They sure don't want me to know where we're going," he grinned ruefully
as he sat down on the edge of his bunk. "That makes me know it's
important, and I'll get it some day--they can't keep it from me
forever."

Sirens screamed "take-off," and he strapped himself into his bunk. When
he felt the pressure subside and knew they were in space he unstrapped
and relaxed. But there was nothing he could do.

Later there was the sound of a key in the lock. When the door opened a
heavy-set man carrying a blaster stepped inside.

"Stand back, Bud, and keep your hands in sight."

Hanlon raised his hands while the messcook brought in a tray and set it
on his bunk. As they were going out Hanlon spoke. "You got any books on
board? I don't mind being locked in and won't make any trouble, but
please give me something to do."

They made no answer, but when they returned for the empty dishes they
left a couple of dog-eared magazines.