"Thanks," Ryyn said at last. "I think that's all I need right now. Sorry if I had to hurt you but I'm not in a position to keep up with the news. If we can do anything you'll have Ryaa to thank for it. She dragged me away from my experiments and made me promise to do what I could--or else," he grinned at his sister, "she threatened to foul things up and leave me hanging somewhere in space indefinitely." Ool stared at the girl beside him. This didn't sound like the quiet little Ryaa he had known. But her scarlet face showed that at least a part of Ryyn's statement was true. "Now," Ryyn continued, "I have things to do. Ryaa, why don't you take this big fellow in tow, and the two of you go out and have a good time?" "Do you think it's wise?" Ool asked. "Oh, yes," Ryaa breathed. Ryyn grinned. "I think so. I want you to forget as completely as possible that this conversation ever took place. For a few days try not to think about it or me. It will help me if you don't." When Ool began to be seen in public with another girl, excited whispers spread the news rapidly. Sympathetic glances came Ryaa's way but she seemed not to notice them. Before long some of her gaiety transferred itself to Ool, and for a time he forgot the tragedy hanging over him. He was reminded abruptly by a summons from Ryyn. "I know the answer," he told Ool, "but we will have to have proof. The committee has given permission for an experiment. If Ryaa is willing to take a chance--" "I'll do anything to help Ool," Ryaa said fervently. "I thought so," her brother answered. "So I asked the committee to grant you two permission to mate." "No," Ool cried hoarsely. "Not Ryaa. I don't want her to die too." "Nothing will happen to Ryaa if you both do exactly as I say. It's our only chance to prove your innocence. Besides, I've already made the announcement. There's nothing you can do about it now." Ool glared at him helplessly, then sank into a chair. Ryaa came to him and put her arms around him. "You said you were willing to do what Ryyn wanted. So am I. If he says I'll be all right, I will." "Well," Ool was only half convinced. "If it's all right with Ryaa. What do you want us to do." "Just one thing right now--just stay here till I give the word." Ryyn's announcement spread quickly, and the reception was what might have been expected. The people were shocked. "I don't think the committee should allow it," was the usual comment. "There may be more women than men in the Universe, but if Ool keeps on mating with them, we'll soon be even," remarked someone with misplaced humor. * * * * *