new metal-finder of the radiolocator type, with which we hope to be able to locate new copper deposits. That's the machine in the workshop.

"We've maintained a certain secrecy about it," he went on, "because naturally we don't want other prospectors stealing the idea of our new finder and beating us to it. And I'm afraid Loesser thought you were spying on us. People here are always a little suspicious of strangers."

"So I've noticed," Carlin answered dryly. "This is the first world in the galaxy where I've ever felt completely unwelcome."

"Oh, I wouldn't say that," replied the other. "But put yourself in our place, Carlin. Figure how you would feel if you were an Earthman, your world starved for power because its copper was spent to establish a galactic civilization that now neglects it."

Jonny's thin brown face was earnest, his blue eyes watching Carlin as though eager to convince him. Carlin shook his head.

"I can see your problem in lacking copper," he said. "But the remedy for it is so simple. Nine-tenths of you should emigrate to other, better worlds as the Control Council advised."

Jonny smiled. "There you come up against the obstinacy of my people. We've an older planetary tradition, a deeper, more ancient love for our world, than any other people in the galaxy."

"I think you people live too much in the past," Carlin answered frankly. "But it's none of my business. Anyway, I hope your expedition brings home copper."

"Thanks," Jonny said softly. "I think we have a good chance."

Carlin went back to the veranda of the old house and sat there pondering. Something about Jonny's explanation had been vaguely unsatisfying.

To his trained eyes, the glimpse he had had of that towering machine had not suggested any metal-finding device. There had somehow been a suggestion in its half-glimpsed bulk of something quite different; something vaguely disturbing, almost menacing.

"The devil, I must have knots in my subconscious to start getting premonitions like that," Carlin swore. "The poor devils are just secretive about their plans because everyone else here is that way."

He lounged boredly around the house during the hot, sleepy afternoon. There was no one to talk to, for the brothers stayed out in their workshop and 

 Prev. P 19/54 next