"I suppose that surroundings and dress do have a lot to do with recognition. That plus the fact that you never expected to see me here on Ertene. I am in strange dress, in an impossible place, and you do not know me. At your expense, Guy, I'm amused." Thomakein went into a deep laugh. Guy was irritated, but he said nothing. He was still dazed. "Thomakein--Thomas Kane!" he said after a full ten minutes had passed. "Fine! So you do recognize me? Shake, Guy. If I'd not known your intent, I wouldn't know you either in that Ertinian get-up." "But ... but--?" "There's one thing you'll need, Guy. Your face shows the effect of so much daily shaving. We'll have you whisker-free in three days, Guy, using a permanent depilatory often used by some of us who are unlucky enough to retain a few facial hairs. Then you can go on without worrying." "But--?" "Forget everything for the moment, Guy. I want the answer to one question. Will you swear that your desire is for the good of Ertene?" "I swear that--I came to see if I could undo the damage I started." "I knew we could count on you. We still can--and will. Now listen, and I'll tell you my end of this long and complicated tale. And, Guy, it is complicated beyond imagination. Confound it, remind me to call you Elanane. I might slip and that would be bad. You'll be Elanane for some time, you know, and you must be Elanane to the letter. Sit down and I'll begin to talk." "I'm dazed." "You must be thunderstruck. But you won't really feel the shock for a couple of hours. I'm going to do my talking now before shock sets in, and you'll be able to evaluate both sides at once. O.K.?" "Well, to tell the truth, I feel that an explanation is due." * * * * * "It started with a coincidence and swiftly built up into an impossible necessity, Guy. First, an explanation of my actions. Ertene does not kill unless it is necessary, Guy. You won the liking of too many men; to eliminate you would have gone against the grain. You are a likable, innocuous chap, Guy. You are intelligent, quick, ingenious, and ambitious. You have few bad traits and vindictiveness is not one of them. "However, since you were set free, and a living danger to us in spite of our drugs, plus the desire on the part of Ertene to learn all we could of Terran science--and what makes Terra run--I was appointed to the unenviable position of spy. Fortified with unlimited wealth, I purchased my way into the high spots. I took a sincere liking to you too, Guy, and together we climbed to a place near the top. I reported regularly to Ertene, and we are in possession of Terra's every secret. Believe me, it was necessary." "I can see that," said Guy. "Ertene has never wanted to join Sol, nor wanted any part of us." "Correct. You also realize that Terra would try like everything to keep us once you knew where we were--and that we were. You do not begrudge us Terra's secrets, Guy, because you believe in Ertene's ideal.