* * * * * The colonel stared at the row of books a long time, the frayed spools that had followed him around from world to world, from gray Danelon to stormy Lurrin to bone-dry Korvel, and on to Hegath and M'Qualt and the others, and now to warm blue-skied Markin. Shaking his head, he turned away and dropped heavily into the foam cradle behind his desk. He snapped on the autotype with a savage gesture and dictated a full account of his actions, from the very start until his climactic decision, and smiled bitterly. There would be a certain time-lag, but before long the autotype facsimile machine in the E-T Department's basement would start clacking, there in Rio, and Thornton would know what Devall had done. And Thornton would be stuck with it as Department policy henceforth. Devall switched on the intercom and said, "I'm not to be disturbed under any circumstances. If there's anything urgent, have it sent to Major Grey; he's acting head of the base until I countermand. And if any messages come from Earth let Grey have them too." He wondered if they'd relieve him of his command immediately, or wait until he got back to Earth. The latter, more likely; Thornton had some subtlety, if not much. But there was certain to be an inquiry, and a head would roll. Devall shrugged and stretched back. _I did what was right_, he told himself firmly. _That's the one thing I can be sure of._ _But I hope I don't ever have to face my sister again._ He dozed, after a while, eyes half-open and slipping rapidly closed. Sleep came to him, and he welcomed it, for he was terribly tired. He was awakened suddenly, by a loud outcry. A jubilant shout from a dozen throats at once, splitting the afternoon calm. Devall felt a moment's disorientation; then, awakening rapidly, he sprang to the window and peered out. A figure--alone and on foot--was coming through the open gateway. He wore regulation uniform, but it was dripping wet, and torn in several places. His blond hair was plastered to his scalp as if he had been swimming; he looked fatigued. Leonards. The colonel was nearly halfway out the front door before he realized that his uniform was in improper order. He forced himself back, tidied his clothing, and with steely dignity strode out the door a second time. Leonards stood surrounded by a smiling knot of men, enlisted men and officers alike. The boy was grinning wearily. "Attention!" Devall barked, and immediately the area fell silent. He stepped forward. Leonards raised one arm in an exhausted salute. There were some ugly bruises on him. "I'm back, Colonel." "I'm aware of that. You understand that I'll have to return you to the Marks for trial anyway, despite your no doubt daring escape?" The boy smiled and shook his head. "No, sir. You don't follow, sir. The trial's over. I've been tried and acquitted." "What's that?"