"The evidence of pattern? You mentioned it once before. The suicides?" "The suicides were just suicides. I hinted at the matter and one of them--I think it was Vikhranov--came right out with the explanation without even being asked. It seems that the suicide cases among the castaways were people who had some strong tie or reason for going back, but still couldn't bear to leave Tolstoia once they got here. A simple case of a conflict they were unable to resolve." Heidekopfer got up and began to pace the floor, his brow set in a frown. "Well, anyway," he said at last, "I might as well tell you that I'm doing something practical about what you call my apprehensions. After what developed at the picnic I radioed South Bergenland for a helio. It will be here tonight, and I'm going back on it and taking Ann with me. I advise you to come, too." * * * * * Rosa Lanzerotti trilled a little laugh. "I don't think you'll find Ann particularly grateful--or particularly willing," she said. "Then by God I'll get help to make her willing!" cried Heidekopfer. "Wait--" began Lanzerotti, but he was already out the door and almost running down the corridor toward the apartment occupied by the Samsonovs. Not knowing what the custom was, he knocked. A female voice said, "Enter, in the name of the Master." Mrs. Samsonov, looking as mysterious as ever, was sitting beside a table with one of the girls who served at table, sewing on something. "Good evening, Robert Murrayovich," she said. "Pitrim Androvich is out this evening." "As a matter of fact, it was you that I wanted to see," he said, "and alone, if possible." She glanced at the girl. "Is it your will to leave at the desire of the little father?" "The will of one is the will of all," said the girl, picked up her sewing and went through a door at the back as Mrs. Samsonov faced Heidekopfer. "What is it you desire to say, Robert Murrayovich?" He hesitated. "Well, it's rather difficult, and I hope you won't be offended--but--" "In happy Tolstoia we do not take offense at what Nature gives us to do." "That's very nice of you. Well, it's about Miss Starnes--Ann Samuelovna." "She is very beautiful." "That's just the trouble, I'm afraid. Did you know that she went to look at flowers with your husband this afternoon?" Anna Gulyevna's smile became a trifle more Mona Lisa than before, if possible. "Yes, I knew it." "And it doesn't worry you? Not even a little bit?" "Not even a little bit, Robert Murrayovich." "And he told her she should have children."