But the interruption had disturbed the tenor of trading. The small chief who had so eagerly taken Paft's place had only two Koros stones to offer and even to Dane's inexperienced eyes they were inferior in size and color to those the other clan leader had tendered. The Terrans were aware that Koros mining was a dangerous business but they had not known that the stock of available stones was so very small. Within ten minutes the last of the serious bargaining was concluded and the clansmen were drifting away from the burned over space about the Queen's standing fins. Dane folded up the bargain cloth, glad for a task. He sensed that he was far from being back in Van Rycke's good graces. The fact that his superior did not discuss any of the aspects of the deals with him was a bad sign. Captain Jellico stretched. Although his was not, or never, what might be termed a good-humored face, he was at peace with his world. "That would seem to be all. What's the haul, Van?" "Ten first class stones, about fifty second grade, and twenty or so of third. The chiefs will go to the fisheries tomorrow. _Then_ we'll be in to see the really good stuff." "And how's the herbs holding out?" That interested Dane too. Surely the few plants in the hydro and the dried leaves could not be stretched too far. "As well as we could expect." Van Rycke frowned. "But Craig thinks he's on the trail of something to help--" The storm priests had uprooted the staff marking the trading station and were wrapping the white streamer about it. Their leader had already gone and now Tau came up to the group by the ramp. "Van says you have an idea," the Captain hailed him. "We haven't tried it yet. And we can't unless the priests give it a clear lane--" "That goes without saying--" Jellico agreed. The Captain had not addressed that remark to him personally, but Dane was sure it had been directed at him. Well, they needn't worry--never again was he going to make that mistake, they could be very sure of that. He was part of the conference which followed in the mess cabin only because he was a member of the crew. How far the reason for his disgrace had spread he had no way of telling, but he made no overtures, even to Rip. Tau had the floor with Mura as an efficient lieutenant. He discussed the properties of catnip and gave information on the limited supply the Queen carried. Then he launched into a new suggestion. "Felines of Terra, in fact a great many other of our native mammals, have a similar affinity for this."