"We'll go along to assist in the studies. Then it's settled."

"I don't think Julian will be all that pleased."

"No matter," said Wayness.

"Julian must learn to take the bitter with the sweet. It should be a memorable event."

The party from Riverview House was late. Glawen and Chiike had checked out the flyer with particular care.

"We can't let anything happen to Julian," Glawen told Chiike.

"He is an important politician and might well be the first Oomphaw of Throy."

"It's a good line of work to be in," said Chiike.

"Especially if you're helpless at everything else. What sort of chap is this Julian?"

"You can judge for yourself; he's just now arriving."

The carry-all halted beside the flyer. Julian jumped to the ground, crisp and natty in a broad-brimmed white hat and a suit of blue-and white-striped duck. Milo and Wayness followed, and took their travel bags to the flyer's luggage compartment.

Julian approached Chiike.

"Are we ready to go? Where is our flyer?"

"It's that black and yellow object just behind you," said Chiike.

Julian inspected the flyer in disbelief. He turned back to Chiike:

"What you have here is not at all suitable. Can't you provide something a bit more commodious, with better amenities?"

Chiike rubbed his chin.

"What leaps to mind is the tourist air-bus, if you're willing to wait a few days. You'd have lots of room and nice people to talk to."

"I am conducting an official survey," said Julian coldly.

"I

need and I expect both convenience and flexibility."

Chiike gave a good-humored chuckle.

"Think just a bit. This flyer is here and ready to go, which is true convenience.

It takes you wherever you point it, also up and down. That is flexibility. How much are you paying?"

"Nothing whatever, naturally."

"There's your flyer. You can't do better anywhere for the price."

Julian saw that no amount of hauteur could daunt the ingenuous Chiike, and moderated his tone.

"I suppose it will have to do." He took note of Glawen.

"Ho, there! The earnest young Bureau B agent! Have you come to see us off?"

"Not exactly."

"You're here in your official capacity? To guard the flyer?

To arrest skulking Yips?"

"Where?" asked Chiike.

"The chap over by the hangar? That's not a skulking Yip; that's my help. I agree he ought to be arrested, but Glawen won't have time today. He's your pilot."

Julian stood back in surprise and displeasure. He stared at Glawen.

"Are you competent?"

"Let me put it this way," said Glawen.

"My luggage is aboard the flyer. Yours is being driven off aboard the carry-all."

Julian waved his hat.

"Hi! Driver! Come back here!" He turned angrily to Glawen.

"Just don't stand there; do something!"

Glawen shrugged.

"If one of us has to run after the truck, it might as well be you."

Chiike put two fingers into his mouth and blew a great shrill blast. The carry-all halted and, in response to Chilke's gesture, returned. With a set expression, Julian transferred his bags to the flyer. Once again he turned to Glawen.

"I insist upon a skillful and experienced pilot. Are you so qualified?"

Glawen handed over a small folder.

"Here are my certificates of proficiency, and my licensing."

Julian glanced skeptically through the folder.

"Hm.

Everything seems in order. Very well. We are bound for Mad Mountain Lodge."