"Then it wasn't really a case of detected smuggling; you made no effort to mask your real intentions. Is that right?" "Yes, sir. I don't quite see how any one could hide either that case or the bottles; I was just sort of hoping against hope." Little nodded and called for more contributions. A gunner responded. "I found a couple of cases of grenades and stuck several into my pockets. The next thing I knew, one of the starfish was holding my arms, and another taking them out again. He handled them as though he knew what they were." "I suppose you checked the safeties before you pocketed the bombs?" "Of course, sir." Little nodded wearily. "Of course. And that was enough for our admittedly astute friends. I admit it's usually a very good idea to obey regulations, but there are exceptions to every rule. I think the present circumstances constitute an exception to most of them. Any others?" Apparently no one else had seen anything he coveted sufficiently to attempt to sneak out of the piles. The doctor didn't care particularly; he believed he had enough data from that source, and an idea was rapidly growing. Unfortunately, the primary principle of that idea required him to learn even more, though not about his captors. Possibly the Vegans could supply the information, but Little was not prepared to bet on it. Magill closed the discussion by mentioning the anæsthetic which Little had made available, and requesting an early communication of all ideas. The men withdrew into smaller groups, talking in low tones among themselves, and gradually drifted through the doors to their rooms, or out onto the roof. Magill followed to take a small group down again for the sleeping bags. * * * * * Little remained with the Vegans. He had a good deal to ask them, and material which could be covered in an hour of verbal conversation would probably take three or four hours of arm-waving. He sat just outside the fan of intense light from one of the doorways, and the creatures formed a semicircle just inside--the door was wide enough for the four of them, since it had been constructed to admit the pentapods. The doctor opened the conversation. "How long have you been here?" was his first question. It was answered by the individual who had acted as interpreter.