"Of course. And they punish the psychologist who didn't detect the tendency and have the person euthanized in childhood." "Suppose I give you my word they won't do that to you here and now? They'll just observe you for a few days and then they'll have you committed to a state hospital." "You are quite positive? If I can be sure of being alive a week from now, no matter where I am, when the timeporter checks I'll go back home." "Even if you're in a padded cell?" "It won't matter where." "Well, then, your problem's solved, isn't it? I'll show you how to get to the station." "I must eat first. I'm very hungry. And what were those things you said if I should get--hamburger and coffee? They are--original foods? Our food is all synthetic." "You don't have to keep this up with me any more. There's a quick lunch place." She pointed. "And they won't mind in this Autocaf that I'm not dressed like the others?" "In this burg? They wouldn't notice if you wandered around in a loincloth. Now I've _got_ to go. This is the wackiest thing that ever happened to me, whatever it really means. Well, good luck, Mike!" "Grats to you, Citizen French, from deep in my pineal. Oh, wait just one min more please!" "What is it now?" "You have given me so much to tell our police. But won't they wonder _why_ this man killed the girl?" "They can ask him when they catch them, can't they? But it's perfectly obvious. She was buying a ticket, wasn't she?" "Yes, certainly." "Well, that meant she was going away--leaving him, doesn't it? So he was in love with her--maybe she was his wife--and he couldn't take it. Maybe she was going to some other guy--how do I know? He found out she was deserting him, so he got hold of the knife, and followed her." "But I don't see why." Mikel was utterly bewildered. "She was a free agent, like anybody else. He couldn't object to her leaving if she no longer loved him--he didn't _own_ her. That doesn't make sense. If I tell one of our police _that_ theory, she will surely think I'm insane." "She?" "All our police are women, of course. Women are naturally gifted at keeping order." "You tell that to our cops, and they'll surely get you tucked away in a nice hospital, but fast. Well, why else _would_ he kill her?" "I don't know. That's why I asked you--you know so much more about such things, in your barb--in your time." "Your policewoman will have to figure it out for herself. So long, Mike." She shook her head, smiling. "Will I have a tale to tell the crowd--if they don't decide I've gone nuts myself! Good-by!" "Goobie, Citizen, and grats again." Still smiling, she hurried down the path out of the park. * * * * * When he could see her no longer, Mikel stood up and began hesitantly to walk toward the restaurant she had pointed out. Fortunately, it was on the same side of the street, not far past the shop where he tried to sell the knife.