They were eating meat loaf and potatoes. The meat loaf was so highly spiced that it could have been almost anything. "I wonder where His Worship got all the grub," Alis said. "I don't know," Don said, "but it certainly doesn't look as if he needs any foreign aid." Alis put down her fork suddenly and her eyes got big. She said, "You don't suppose--" "Suppose what?" Bendy said, spearing a small potato. "I just had a horrible thought." She laughed feebly. "It's ridiculous, of course, but I wondered if by any chance we were eating Joe Negus." "Don't be silly," Don said, but he put down his fork too. "Of course it's ridiculous," Bendy said. "Hector only put Negus to sleep. He didn't kill him. Besides, Joe Negus wouldn't stretch far enough to feed this crowd." "Is that why you're not eating any more?" Alis asked him. "Why, no," Bendy said. "It's merely that I've had enough. It's true that Hector could have used his scepter on other transgressors, but--no, I refuse to admit that he's turned cannibal." "_He_ isn't eating," Don pointed out. "I'll guarantee you he has, though. I've never known Hector to miss a meal. No. Hector may be a fool and a dupe, and power-hungry to boot, but he's not a cruel man, or a deranged one." "No?" Alis said. "I dare you to ask him what's in the meat loaf." "All right." Bendy got up. "I'll ask to see the kitchen--to compliment the chef. Want to come?" "No, thanks. I might be mean to Father again." She and Don watched Doc Bendy go to the improvised throne and talk to Civek. The king laughed and stood up and he and Bendy crossed the room. They went through a door behind the line of servers. Don pushed his plate away. "You've certainly spoiled my appetite." "I'm sorry," Alis said. "Maybe it's hereditary. Look at Father in that idiot hat. Sir Osbert! Honestly, Don, if we ever get back to Earth I'm going to get out of Superior as fast as I can. What's it like in Washington?" "Dull," he said. "Humid in the summer. And when you've exhausted the national monuments there's nothing to do." "Nothing? Don't tell me you don't have a girl friend back there. No, _don't_ tell me--I don't want to know. Oh, Don, what a terribly boring place this must be for you." "Boring!" he said. "I've never had such a wild, crazy time in my life. Furthermore," he said, "there's nobody like you back in Washington." She beamed. "I'd kiss you right here, only Doc Bendy's coming back. Heck, I'll kiss you anyway." She did. "Ahem," said Bendy. "Also cough-cough. If you two can spare the time, there's someone I'd like you to meet." "We're through, for now," Alis said. "Who?" "One of our hosts. The power behind the shaky throne of Hector the First. I think you'll like him. He has a magnificent tail." * * * * * "Hector was very co-operative," Doc Bendy said. "I guess he figured he couldn't keep it a secret for long anyhow, so he decided to be frank. After all, half the town saw them take him away."