For the first time Jaro exhibited annoyance. "First Hodes' men, then Albert Peet's men and now the T.I.S. I knew was being tailed, but I didn't realize I was leading a parade." The T.I.S. agent glanced at Joan. "No offense, Miss Webb, but could I see Mr. Moynahan alone? It won't take but a moment." She glanced helplessly at Jaro. "Where shall I go?" * * * * * Jaro grinned. "You might step in the shower, pull the curtain around you and turn on the water." The big young man looked perplexed. "Couldn't we join her in the dining room in a few moments?" "No," expostulated Jaro. "I should say not. She just ate enough to last a Mercurian family a week. If I turned her loose down with all that food she'd probably flounder herself. Besides Albert Peet's gunmen would like nothing better than to catch her alone. No, Irving, you'll have to talk in front of her." "I don't like it," replied Landovitch. He shook his head full-like from side to side. "But, well Jaro, how are you mixed up in this?" Jaro hitched his chair closer. "Listen, I was at Valego, organizing the Martian army. The prince had commissioned me." "We know all about your disreputable past," Landovitch interrupted blandly. "Quit heckling him," said Joan. "For all I've been able to gather he was born yesterday. He's the most uncommunicative man ever." Irving Landovitch clucked sympathetically. "Jaro, how did you impose on this poor innocent child. If you'd let me know, maybe I could, too." "I was on Mars," Jaro continued patiently, "when I got a flash from the Red Witch--she's using the name of Mikail--to grab the first spaceship for Mercury. She said she was singing at _Mercury Sam's Garden_." In as few words as possible he sketched his adventures since arriving. Landovitch whistled. "The Rains are three days overdue," he said. "What is the Festival like?" asked Jaro. "I've heard something about it, but I've never been here during the Rains." The T.I.S. agent rolled his eyes. "It would make a Roman orgy look like a Sunday School picnic. Ordinarily the Mercurians are the meekest people in the Universe, but during the Rains, they go a little crazy." "A little?" said Joan. "They're mad as hatters." She paused, her expression undergoing an abrupt change. "Listen!" At first they could distinguish nothing, then from outside the window came a persistent sigh which gradually deepened into a full-throated roar. "The Rains," breathed Joan with a catch in her throat. "In a moment we will hear the flutes." * * * * * Out in the hall someone knocked on the door. "Third time's the charm," said Jaro, and drew the slug gun. Landovitch said: "He won't be expecting me. When he shoots you I ought to be able to catch him by surprise." "Maybe I should allow you to answer the door." "Go on." Landovitch waved his gun. "I'm right behind you, but out of the line of fire, of course."