"We can release you now," the Lensman smiled. "Thanks, from me as well as from the Patrol, for everything you have done. There has been some talk that you two youngsters have been contemplating a honeymoon upon Chickladoria or thereabouts?" "Oh, no, sir--that is--That was just talk, sir." Both spoke at once. "I realize that the report may have been exaggerated or premature, or both, but it strikes me as being a sound idea. Therefore, not as a reward, but in appreciation, the Patrol will be very glad to have you as its guests throughout such a trip--all expense--if you like." They liked. "Very well. Lieutenant, take Miss Cochran and Mr. Ryder to the Disbursing Office, please.... Dr. Cloud, the Patrol will take cognizance of what you have done. In the meantime, however, I would like to say that in uncovering this attempt to grow Trenconian broad-leaf here, you have been of immense, of immeasurable assistance to us." "Nothing much, sir, I'm afraid. I shudder to think of what's coming. If the zwilniks can grow that stuff anywhere--" "Not at all, not at all," Ellington interrupted briskly. "No worse than ever, if as bad. For if such an entirely unsuspected firm as Tellurian Pharmaceuticals, with all their elaborate preparations and precautions--some of the inspectors must have been corrupted too, although we aren't to the bottom of that phase yet--could not get more than started, it is not probable that any other attempt will prove markedly successful. And in the case of the other habit-forming drugs, which Tellurian Pharmaceuticals and undoubtedly many other supposedly reputable firms have been distributing in quantity, you have given us a very potent weapon." "What weapon?" Cloud was frankly puzzled. "Statistical analysis and correlation of apparently unrelated indices--as you pointed out." "But they have been used for years!" the Blaster protested. "Admitted--but only when individual departures from the norm became so marked as to call for a special investigation. We now have a corps of analysts applying them as routine. Thus, while we cannot count upon having any more such extraordinary help as you have given us, we should not need it. I don't suppose that I can give you a lift back to Tellus?" "I don't think so, thanks. My new flitter is en route here now. I'll have to analyze this vortex anyway. Not that I think it's abnormal in any way--those were undoubtedly murders, not vortex casualties at all--but just to complete the record. And since I can't do any extinguishing until I grow a new flipper, I might as well stay here and keep on practising." "Practising? Practising what?" "Gun-slinging--the lightning draw. I intend to get at least a lunch while the next pirate who pulls a DeLameter on me is getting a square meal."