“Nonsense!” he cried. “Don’t deny it. I won’t have any tomfoolery around here!” “Oh, bosh! I return to Centur to-night, anyhow,” I told him; “and no harm done; they’re different here.” “Tomfoolery, all tomfoolery,” he grumbled, shaking his head obstinately. An hour later, in company with a number of gentlemen, I boarded a ship bound for Centur. Saunders puttered around for fear, by some mishap, I might be left behind; but when we were ready to start he affectionately clasped my hand and informed me that I was used to his crabbedness and that it was out of gear for a crusty old chap to be in sympathy with nonsense. If his plans succeeded he would be detained at the Observatory only a month, then it was his intention to travel. He wanted me to run over to see him whenever I had spare time. I promised in order to get him off the ship, as he delayed departure. We reached Centur early in the evening. The city, brilliant with lights, presented a gala appearance. The glowing houses were gaudily festooned with banners and greens, and from all floated the colors of Centauri. The streets were canopied with flags formed in arches. When I reached the palace I knew some great event was taking place. The immense building was ablaze with lights, and draped across the stately entrance, swaying gracefully in the light breeze, was a flag of yellow shimmering material with a huge black crescent cutting the center. The gardens were crowded with courtiers and guards, who pranced and swaggered in gay, fantastic costumes. I was observed at once and way was made for me. I heard my name carried from lip to lip and was gazed at with curiosity, bordering on impertinence. In the usually deserted halls of the palace stalked bold, dashing cavaliers, who saluted me respectfully as I entered, but uttered irreverent undertones, which they thought I could not understand. In confusion I stumbled over my own feet, then became enraged at the cruel guffaws only half suppressed. With relief I spied Mike’s familiar face as he hurried to meet me and, with unnecessary speed, rushed me to my apartments and immediately proceeded with my toilet. I was shaved, anointed, curled, my hands dipped in scented water—I felt so effeminate. “You are to present yourself at once to Alpha Centauri,” said Mike, “hence my haste.” “She expected me to arrive this evening?” I gasped eagerly. “No,” Mike answered: “she gave this order when you departed, doubtless expecting your early return, then forgot all about it; but I obey. There is great rejoicing in the city and much doing in the palace.” “What’s going on?” “The King of the Vespa Belt has honored us with his long-promised visit,” he replied. “The King!” I cried. “What King? I thought Centauri ruled over all this land.”