"The call box is on the table," said Captain Virginia Smith. * * * * * The next day was largely devoted to discussion between Her Supremacy, the Captain, and Her Splendor, the Shanni, on the increased production of _gakgak_ milk. The Shanni, after much careful negotiation, promised that more would be forthcoming. Newhouse, personally, had a hunch that the Shanni was trying to negotiate a treaty with the southern nomads for _gakgak_ milk, with the intent of selling it to the Earthmen at a profit--which was all right with everyone, if she could swing it. The third day was much like the second, but this time, Newhouse began to inject something new into the discussions--presumably suggestions from Captain Smith. "Would it be possible, Your Splendor, to have the young Shannil's consort return home for a space of--say, ten days?" A wary look came into the old woman's eyes, but the smile never left her face. "The Shannexa's home is Oassi," she said smoothly. "True, true. We apologize for the error in terminology. Let us say, rather, that we would like to have him visit his previous home." The Shanni looked almost apologetic. "It would be my pleasure to allow the dear child to revisit his old home," she said, "but, alas, it cannot be." "Indeed?" "I fear not. The ancient laws of Oassi are very strict on that point, and I would not dare to violate them. Even the Shanni is not all-powerful. My people would disown me if I violated so powerful a taboo." "Just what is this--ah--law, Your Splendor?" "A very ancient one, Your Supremacy. No royal consort may leave his wife until he produces his three eggs. Three off-spring, in other words, of which at least one must be a girl." "Ah, well, of course, we would hesitate to ask you to violate so powerful a law. We will be content to wait. But you will permit the visit at that time?" The Shanni smiled thinly. "I give you my solemn vow that he will be permitted to leave when--and _if_--that time arrives." _Well, well, well_, Newhouse thought to himself, _the old dame suspects already that her daughter can never have children by di Vino. She's out after his hide. And it's getting more obvious by the minute._ "And how long do you estimate that to be, Your Splendor?" The Shanni's eyes became veiled. "You know our law. But, even if the first egg is produced within the period, I'm afraid it would be another four years before the next is produced. It would be four years at the minimum before he could leave." "Very well. So be it." The subject was dismissed as though it were a light thing, but Newhouse already had what he wanted. Every Oassi noble in the room had heard the Shanni make a solemn vow. * * * * *