The Martian ruler was old, how old only Malovar and the gods of Mars knew. His skin was wrinkled, his face was a bleak mask that looked as if it had never formed a smile. Except for the curious metal staff that he held across his lap, the Martian ruler wore no insignia of his office. His clothing was a simple tunic like the togas of the ancient Romans. He was smoking a thin reed pipe, the only luxury he ever permitted himself, and the rich flavor of Martian tobacco was heavy in the room. With him was one attendant, an elder of the tribe. Larkin bowed. "I am honored, sire." It was not too unusual for Malovar to pay him a visit. The ruler went from the greatest mansion to the humblest hut at will. "Come sit, my friend." The Martian's voice was as gentle as the passing of a soft breeze but Larkin knew that this breeze would turn into a tornado in an instant. He sat down. Silently, Malovar extended his tobacco pouch. Silently Larkin took it. "A ship landed this afternoon, my friend," Malovar said. "Yes," Larkin agreed. "You have been to talk to your countrymen." It was a simple statement. Larkin writhed inwardly but attempted no denial. "How did you know?" "I have ways of knowing. Tell me, are they scientists, or explorers, or traders? Or some other breed of that curious creature--the human being?" "They--" Larkin hesitated. How much did he dare reveal? This Martian had most penetrating and discerning eyes. "They hope to trade." "Ah." Malovar was quiet for a long time. "My friend, you have been here and I have known you for seven years. During this time I have been pleased to call you friend." "I have been honored." Larkin spoke. "They have been most enjoyable years." Why was this feeling of sweat suddenly appearing on his body? The room was cool almost to the point of being chilly now that the night had come. "You have helped many of us. Seekin was in here this afternoon--" "It was nothing," Larkin said, embarrassed. "Many times you have done this deed which you call _nothing_," Malovar continued. "I just wanted you to know that I was aware of some of these instances." "It is good of you to mention them," Larkin said. He did not like this sparring, this talk that seemed to go nowhere. "I wanted you to know that at the next time of the testing these deeds which you call _nothing_ will be taken into consideration," Malovar said. Sweat broke out all over Boyd Larkin. "They will be given due weight, but they will _not_ sway the scales in your favor against other possible deeds." Only a strong effort of will kept Larkin from shaking. "Sire--" Malovar rose. He lingered in the doorway. "I have come to regard you as a friend, the only human I have ever known whom I was willing to call by that name. I should regret very much losing my human friend." "Sire--" "But my regret will not stay my hand at the time of the testing!" His lone elder following him, Malovar was gone into the Martian night. III