"An excellent idea," Esrov nodded. He switched on the intercom to his first secretary. "Connect me with Lesquallan Ltd. I want to speak with Novell Lesquallan. Inform him that it is urgent." "He just entered our office." The voice that came from the intercom carried the slightest trace of surprise. "He said he desired to discuss something about canned goods and snuff. I shall send him in at once." Rovance turned to Neinfort-Whritings. "I fear that old Cerobie is becoming senile. Apparently he has lost his mind." "But really, did he ever have one?" Nobody laughed. Esrov slammed the restraining order on the conference table and stood up. "Gentlemen, what shall we do concerning--" "Yes, gentlemen, that is just what I want to know." Three heads pivoted. Novell Lesquallan, sole owner of Lesquallan Ltd., stood in the doorway. He was a broad, ruddy-faced man with a voice trained to basso interruptions. "I understand, Mr. Lesquallan," Esrov said, "that you have a matter to discuss with us." "Yes! Sit down, F.K. We have some talking to do--about that bankrupt, dishonest Acme Interplanetary Express." "Quite a coincidence," Neinfort-Whritings murmured. "You got trouble with that outfit, too? That settles it. They've cluttered up the orderly progress of free enterprise long enough. Out they go." Novell Lesquallan swiftly read the document and bellowed an unintelligible remark. "Something, quite," Neinfort-Whritings agreed. * * * * * Lesquallan got his voice under control. "What action do you intend to take?" "We hadn't decided," Rovance answered. "We received the order only a few minutes ago." "Before we form our plans," Esrov said, "we would like some information about your problems with Acme. We understand it involves canned goods and snuff." "Yes, those damned.... At the last minute, they turned down a small load of canned goods for Luna that we'd been decent enough to give them at reduced rates. They can't get away with that kind of thing long. But that's just the beginning. They got hold of the contract and permit to haul a consignment of medicinal snuff to Mars. We had already arranged for that cargo. You know that snuff situation. Through certain contacts, we have been able--perfectly legally--to have permits issued. That customs man must have taken a double--" "We understand," Rovance broke in. "We have had occasion to make similar arrangements. The rates--and other inducements--are extremely satisfactory." "Well, gentlemen," Lesquallan demanded, "what are we going to do about this unprecedented situation?" "I suggest," Neinfort-Whritings said, "that we have our legal staffs meet in joint session. We should impress on them that the quashing of this restraining order is urgent. Perhaps we should consider debts owed us by the judiciary we helped elect." "An excellent idea," Lesquallan declared. "I will take care of that part of it myself, personally."