certificate had stated that Mrs. Orbson died from a heart attack. Well, the heart attack was brought on by a sharp knife being drawn across her throat."

"Who signed the death certificate?"

"Encycla Grave," J. Barnaby said sourly. "He belongs to the Medical Monopoly as well as being a mortician."

"A nice racket," Manning said. "How come you haven't had him arrested?"

"There's more to it than this," said J. Barnaby. "As I said, the funerals are quick. The lady was buried in the dress she was wearing and in the pocket of it there was a letter—addressed to her husband. Here it is." He fished among the papers on his desk and came up with a letter. He handed it to Manning.

THE MARITAL RELATIONS BUREAU 27 Circle Square (Upper) City of Sentiment Canopus (I)

March 42, 3470 (Solarian date)

Mr. Henry Orbson, Galactic Rest Hotel, City of Sentiment, Dear Sir:

At first guess, you might say that you have no marital problems. But are you happy? Or have you reached a time when the vows that bind you "until death do us part" are beginning to chafe? Does your wife nag and scold? Has she lost her beauty? Is there a younger woman in your future?

These are all questions which the man of intelligence must ask himself from time to time. If you are able to answer most of them in the negative, then you are a fortunate man and I congratulate you. If the answers are yes, I can do better than congratulate you. I can set you free.

There is no charge for a consultation. (In fact, you may make a profit out of the matter.) I guarantee satisfaction and there is no charge until after I have succeeded in eliminating the obstacle to your happiness. Even then the fee is modest.

Why not see me at your convenience?

Sincerely yours, Nottyl Nadyl

"Who is this Nadyl?" Manning asked when he'd finished reading the letter.

"Another Algolian[2], I think," J. Barnaby said. "You see how the letter implies that Nadyl will get rid of the guy's wife, without being evidence against him? There's no proof that Orbson went to see Nadyl, but two days after the date of this letter he bought the insurance policies. And one week later his wife died. 

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