"I never saw Nela again after those first visits. It was quite unnecessary, as I can see now. For she and her people understood the mind with an amazing thoroughness, and during her talks she subtly injected me with knowledge, emotions and ideals that set me in motion toward my goal as effectively and undeviatingly as though I had been hypnotized. And I suspect that she set other bubbles in motion as well, to guide and assist me and generally keep me moving in one direction." * * * * * Pearce gestured. "I've kept moving, all right. Fifteen years have passed, and I know all I need to know about the particular technical subject Nela chose me to handle. I'm ready to leave--and I'm leaving very soon. Nela is coming here to pick me up, having meanwhile been moving to this point along her orbit to make one last stop-off before completing the swing back to her own point in time. There can be no return, for once I leave, this point in time can never be reached again. But then I've had fifteen years to get used to the idea. "This picnic today was in the nature of a farewell party. You, Dave and Ellen, have been the only friends I've allowed myself--and you've both been fine friends. I wanted you both to know exactly where I was going instead of doing a mysterious fade-out. I felt I owed you that much. I've never told anyone about Nela before--not because the information was likely to prove harmful, or anything of the sort, but simply because it would have created doubts about my sanity. I know I can trust you with it for the same reason." Pearce spread his hands, grinning crookedly. "Well, I hope that leaves me and my suitcase explained to the complete satisfaction of everyone." Fuller ran his hand through his red hair in agitation and rose to his feet. "It's the damnedest story I've ever heard, Andy. I wish I could be dead certain it isn't a gag. I can't believe it--or maybe it's just that I can't accept the idea of never seeing you again. If this hadn't come all of a sudden--" He broke off, gesturing helplessly. "Picnics," Ellen muttered to no one in particular, "are going to be permanently spoiled for me." "Hell!" Fuller growled. "I need a drink. I guess we all need a drink." He reached out as though to detain Pearce. "Andy, I've got a bottle in the car. For emergencies, you know--and this certainly is an emergency. So stay right here, Andy. Don't go running off into the future until I get back. Promise?" "On my word of honor," Pearce said. "Don't drop that bottle, Dave," Ellen put in. With a last anxious glance at Pearce, Fuller turned and hurried away through the trees. Pearce was abruptly, sharply aware that he was alone with Ellen. She seemed aware of it also. For a moment her dark eyes met his with a kind of pensive directness, then dropped. There was an uncomfortable silence. "I'll never be quite the same again after today, Andy," Ellen murmured at last.