Benjin quickly caught up the money and the stones and said, "You've done well, Herndon. Better than we expected. It was a lucky day when you killed that proteus." "Will you have more work for me?" Oversk said, "Of course. You'll take Mardlin's place as the courier. Didn't you realize that?" Herndon had realized it, but it did not please him. He wanted to remain on Borlaam, now that he had made himself known to the Lady Moaris. He wanted to begin his climb toward Krellig. And if he were to shuttle between Vyapore and Borlaam, the all-important advantage he had attained would be lost. But the Lady Moaris would not be back on Borlaam for nearly two months. He could make one more round-trip for the combine without seriously endangering his position. After that, he would have to find some means of leaving their service. Of course, if they preferred to keep him on they could compel him, but-- "When do I make the next trip?" he asked. Benjin shrugged lazily. "Tomorrow, next week, next month--who knows? We have plenty of stones on hand. There is no hurry for the next trip. You can take a vacation now, while we sell these." "No," Herndon said. "I want to leave immediately." Oversk frowned at him. "Is there some reason for the urgency?" "I don't want to stay on Borlaam just now," Herndon said. "There's no need for me to explain further. It pleases me to make another trip to Vyapore." "He's eager," Benjin said. "It's a good sign." "Mardlin was eager at first too," Oversk remarked balefully. Herndon was out of his seat and at the nobleman's throat in an instant. His needler grazed the skin of Oversk's adam's-apple. "If you intend by that comparison to imply--" Benjin tugged at Herndon's arm, "Sit down, rogue, and relax. The Heitman is tired tonight, and the words slipped out. We trust you. Put the needler away." Reluctantly Herndon lowered the weapon. Oversk, white-faced despite his tan, fingered his throat where Herndon's weapon had touched it, but said nothing. Herndon regretted his hasty action, and decided not to demand an apology. Oversk still could be useful to him. "A spacerogue's word is his bond," Herndon said. "I don't intend to cheat you. When can I leave?" "Tomorrow, if you wish," Benjin said. "We'll cable Brennt to have another shipment ready for you." * * * * * This time he travelled to Vyapore aboard a transport freighter, since there were no free tours with noblemen to be had at this season. He reached the jungle world a little less than a month later. Brennt had thirty-two jewels waiting for him. Thirty-two glittering little starstones, each in its protective sheath, each longing to rob some man's mind away with its beckoning dreams.