The leader of the procession, a fine-featured man with golden hair, walked forward with bowed head, chanting a single phrase over and over again in a voice as sweet as a woman's: "_Toma annerson ... toma annerson ... toma annerson...._" "Sounds friendly enough," I whispered to Hendricks. "Hand me an extra menore; I'll see...." The chanting stopped, and the Strobian lifted his head. "Greetings!" he said. "You are welcome here." * * * * * I think nothing ever surprised me more, I stared at the man like a fool, my jaw dropping, and my eyes bulging. For the man spoke in a language of Earth; spoke it haltingly and poorly, but recognizably. "You--you speak English?" I faltered. "Where--where did you learn to speak this language?" The Strobian smiled, his face shining as though he saw a vision. "Toma annerson," he intoned gravely, and extended his right hand in a greeting which Earth-men have offered each other for untold centuries! I shook hands with him gravely, wondering if I were dreaming. "I thank you for your welcome," I said, gathering my wits at last. "We come as friends, from worlds not unlike your own. We are glad that you meet us as friends." "It was so ordered. _He_ ordered it so and Artur is His mouthpiece in this day." The Strobian weighed every word carefully before he uttered it speaking with a solemn gravity that was most impressive. "Artur?" I questioned him. "That is your name?" "That is my name," he said proudly. "It came from He Who Speaks who gave it to my father many times removed." There were many questions in my mind, but I could not be outdone in courtesy by this kindly Strobian. "I am John Hanson," I told him, "Commander of the Special Patrol Service ship _Ertak_. This is Avery Hendricks, my third officer." "Much of that," said Artur slowly, "I do not understand. But I am greatly honored." He bowed again, first to me, and then to Hendricks, who was staring at me in utter amazement. "You will come with us now, to the Place?" Artur added. I considered swiftly, and turned to Hendricks. "This is too interesting to miss," I said in an undertone. "Send the escort back with word for Mr. Correy that these people are very friendly, and we are going on into the city. Let three men remain with us. We will keep in communication with the ship by menore." * * * * *