“The second floor, I presume, sir and mesdames?” The host, a very good rule-of-thumb psychologist, classified these visitors instantly and suggested the region where both class and stakes were high. Also, and as promptly, he decided to escort them personally. Two Patrol officers and a Vegian—especially the Vegian—rated special attention. The second floor was really a place. The pile of the rug was over half an inch deep. The lighting was neither too garish nor too dim. The tastefully-placed paintings and tapestries adorning the walls were neither too large nor too small, each for its place; and each was a masterpiece. “May we use Patrol currency, or would you rather we took chips?” Cloud asked. “Either one, sir; just as you wish.” “We Tellurians are all set, then, but Miss Vesta here would like to cash a few Travelers’ Cheques.” “Certainly, Miss Vesta. I’ll be delighted to take care of it for you. How do you wish the money, please?” “I’ll want a little small stuff to get the feel of the house . . . say a thousand in tens and twenties. The rest of it in fifties and hundreds, please—mostly hundreds.” Vesta peeled off and thumb-printed ten two-thousand credit cheques and the host, bowing gracefully, hurried away. “One thing, Vesta,” Cloud cautioned. “Don’t throw it away too fast. Save some for next time.” “Oh, I always do, chief. This’ll last me the week, easily. I run wild only when I’m in a winning streak.” The host came up with her money; and as Vesta made a beeline for the nearest wheel: “What do you like, Joan?” Cloud asked. “A wheel?” “I don’t think so; not at first, anyway. I’ve had better luck with the under-and-overs. They’re over there, aren’t they, sir?” “Yes, madame. But is there anything I can do first? Refreshments of any kind—an appetizer, perhaps?” “Not at the moment, thanks.” “If you wish anything, at any time, just send a boy. I’ll look you up from time to time, to be sure you lack nothing. Thank you very much, sir and madame.” The host bowed himself away and the two officers strolled over to the bank of “under-and-over” tables, which were all filled. They stood at ease for a few minutes; chatting idly, enjoying their cigarettes, gazing with interest and appreciation around the huge, but wonderfully beautiful room. There was no indication whatever that either of the two Patrolmen was the least bit interested in the fall of the cards, or that two of the keenest mathematical minds in space knew exactly, before the man ahead of them got tired of losing fifty-credit chips, the denomination and the location of every card remaining in the rack.