words, "is the top floor—you would call it the bottom floor—of the hotel where you will stay." He opened the car door and stepped out.

Manning followed him. "By the way," he said casually, "are the Regulusians telepathic?"

Xelia Zon looked at him in surprise, then laughed. "Oh—you ask because I answered your question before you asked it? We Regulusians are very sensitive to expressions and attitudes. Quite often I have a good idea of what you're going to say just before you speak. But that's all. As you probably know, there aren't many telepathic races. The Martians, Rigelians, Sabikians, I believe, and Acruxians. Like many of the non-telepathic races, we Regulusians have natural barriers to telepathic readings."

Manning had already discovered this, but he only nodded as they entered an elevator.

"I've heard," Xelia continued, "that there is at least one Terran who is not only telepathic, but also has developed a secondary mind-shield, which is quite rare even among telepathic races. But, of course, this may be one of those rumors that get around."

Manning didn't bother to tell him that he was the one Terran who possessed this unusual mental equipment. He was certain that the Regulusian was trustworthy, but there was no point in taking chances. He had already learned that Acruxians were telepaths; if the Acruxian agent who was on Regulus didn't learn of Manning's unique ability, it might one day prove a slight advantage.

They stopped on the next floor and confirmed the reservation. Again, as they passed through the lobby, Manning saw that nearly everyone there was a Regulusian. He did catch sight of a couple of Vegans, a Capellan, and a Polluxian who was obviously a traveling salesman, but it was a small number of non-natives for such a large city.

Again they took an elevator. "This," said Manning as the elevator surged upward, "at least, is a familiar sensation. We're going up to reach the room."

"Actually," said Xelia with a smile, "we are going down, since we entered what we call the top floor."

"I've often been accused of not knowing down from up," Manning said dryly, "but this is the first time it's ever been proved."

Xelia chuckled as the elevator stopped. They followed the Regulusian bellhop down the corridor to a room. It was, Manning saw as soon as they entered, completely equipped for 

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