Shortly after you left the Halo last night ... I made certain inquiries ... learned that the news of the Vera's secret trip had spread into the ... uh ... the proper channels...." The Martian seemed a little reluctant.

"All right, all right, V'Norghi," Kennett said impatiently. "What else? You know what I want to know!"

"Well ... yes, a small, fast cruiser did leave here. About an hour after midnight ... quite hurriedly it would seem. Now understand, Kennett, I couldn't say—"

"No, you couldn't say it was some of Prather's men. Like hell you can't! What destination? Where is Prather's new base? Mercury? Venus?"

V'Norghi started to shake his head negatively, but didn't. He looked distressed. Kennett paced up and down the room. He turned suddenly on the Martian and laughed mirthlessly.

"Oh, you don't need to answer! I know as well as you do where he is! Out on one of the Jupiter satellites somewhere—probably Io, his old base."

The Martian looked even more distressed, and Kennett nodded, satisfied. "Sure, I knew it all the time. That's why I let it be known the Vera was going out to Callisto." He clapped the Martian on the shoulder. "It's all right, V'Norghi, you've done me a mighty big favor as it is. Thanks, thanks a lot."

They shook hands solemnly. Kennett said, smiling a little: "Don't worry, V'Norghi; when you see me again there won't be any more Prather."

"Goodbye, Kennett. I wish you good luck." But the Martian's voice was sad, as though he thought Kennett wouldn't have it.

Kennett turned to Marnay when the Martian had gone. "The Martian Secret Police!" he said contemptuously. "They're very little above the outlaw scum of this city, themselves. I'm sure Prather buys them off, and I think V'Norghi almost hopes I won't succeed! But you see, I happened to save his life once; and whatever else you say of the Martians, you can't say they aren't conscientious toward their obligations."

"I see," Marnay nodded. "But what about that cruiser he says left here? You really think that was some of Prather's men, hurrying to tell him the Vera's on the way out there with a rich cargo?"

"I'm sure of it. That's the way Prather's always worked."

"But they're going where? Out around Jupiter you 

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