Which proved that these wonderful people, with their vaunted centuries of superiority, had still to conquer the masterful passion for fame, and struggled even as——. Centauri mused and murmured to himself in rapt reverie, seemingly our presence completely forgotten, yet suddenly he turned his deep eyes upon me, his face beaming with a most engaging smile. Saunders and his planets were dismissed. He nodded approval, evidently pleased with my appearance. “You are young, comely,” he told me. “What science induced you to brave the northern perils?” I flushed hotly, believing he ridiculed; a strange vehemence seized me. “A phantom, myth, a creation of my brain—what you will!” I cried eagerly. “I love, adore; the strength of my adoration will compel response! I will possess and realize—heaven!” I flung out my arms in a paroxysm of desire, and Centauri stared in amazement, then spoke in severe, chilling tones, which quelled passion. “Your task is difficult, more difficult than those of your comrades. To them success is assured; you are doomed to failure. The Centaurians subdued emotion centuries ago; savages, beasts alone, are controlled by impulse. Self-government is sublime; civilization attains perfection when passion is obliterated.” He rose and, with a gesture, signified the interview at an end. I was the last to salute and in passing murmured: “I have hope.” “A false sentiment,” he replied. “Centauri is above and beyond you.” “My God!” I gasped, yet quick as a flash replied: “Centauri is a woman!” His eyes burned into mine. “You are courageous,” he whispered, then abruptly, yet without offence, shut the door almost in my face. Outside, alone upon a misty deck, we stared blankly at each other; then Sheldon aired a grievance. “We’ve permitted ourselves to be mauled about by this, that, and the other; to be taken here, there, anywhere, willy-nilly; we’ve almost lost our identity,” he grumbled. “It is well we managed some spunk before ‘The Centauri’ who, by the way, is a shrewd old cuss, and gained power through the exaggerated estimate of the people—like many on our side. But he’s a harmless old chap, on the decade. Look sharp about the girl, Sally. He warned you of that himself. She’s a tartar, and as homely as sin—there’s a great disappointment sure. Squelch the flame, think of gain; domineering selfishness is a powerful magnet.” “Notice how he mentioned the planet Virgillius?” squeaked Saunders. “Why, for all his boasted knowledge he knows little more of the planet than I do.” “And,” sputtered Sheldon, “he claimed the great body of fresh water for the Centaurians, called it ‘Tegao,’ or something——.” “Good heavens, boys!” murmured Saxe., “have more respect for our host, he is Centauri, the Great One!”