"That's right," grinned Hammond. "But look, we're killing valuable time if this is as important as it sounds. What's needed?"' Sandra explained. * * * * * "And you say the silicon won't combine? Shucks, we can do that all right," said John McBride. "Fine." "Our problem is delivering the goods." "Why?" "Name me a container that will carry the electronic charge." "Oh? I was thinking--" "Don't bother," said McBride. "There isn't anything better than ten million miles of pure and absolute space. She'll corona, and then arc, and then she'll assume the normal charge and the stuff will come unstuck again. And you couldn't possibly send every Telfan out into space for a treatment. There aren't enough years in a century to do that." "First, we'll have to do away with Soaky," said Hammond. "We can do that," said McBride. "The converted spacecraft are about ready. We can get 'em off in twenty-four hours. But landing this compound is the tricky job. How are we going to do it?" "Let's assume that we can think of something and get the rest of this yarn. How do you feel, Sandra?" "Tired, sort of. I've been busy." "I gather." "But this slight relaxation is doing me a lot of good. Is the Lady Thani with you? Her sister, Thuni, asked me to ask." "She and her husband are on Terra. We didn't pass that way. But you may tell Thuni that they are well, happy, and being treated with Terra's best. Our main trouble is shooing away vaudeville agents, flesh merchants, and screwball politicians who either want to tie their wagon on behind or run their wagon up against." "You'll never get rid of them," said Sandra. "Are they pointing with pride or viewing with alarm?" "The pointers-with-pride hold a very slight majority." "That's a fair sign." "You're right. It is. Luckily, most of the newspapers follow the pointers-with-pride and the general feeling is that way. Most of the malcontents fear that Telfu will have a finger in the division of the universe and they are not going to get as much because of it. They think we should step in and run Telfu, or Telfu may step in and run us." "We're far enough apart to save 'em the trouble," said Sandra. "But look, fellows, you're running back to Terra--or Sol, anyway. Can you bring me something the next time you come? Please?" "If possible," said Hammond. "I need cigarettes, and clothing. I look seedy. I'm frantic for a smoke; I know where you can buy a corpus delectable, dressed in old clothing, for a pack of smokes." "Willing to sell your body for a mess of potash?" "Just about. But remember the old one--_Caveat Emptor!_" "Knowing you--I'll remember," laughed Hammond. "How have you enjoyed your visit?" "So-so. It's been an experience. A lonely experience, believe me. I've had my troubles, and I've had my triumph. Aside from the complete lack of human companionship, it's been interesting enough." "You mean male adoration?"