"Is Kirdy on hand?"

Kirdy entered the office. His eyes fell upon Glawen, and instantly seemed to become round and glassy.

"Here you are, the two of you: back together again!" So called out Bodwyn Wook in fulsome tones.

"Since that Yipton dustup Kirdy has been a bit off his feed, but now he's as right as rain, and ready for action. What he needs is stimulation and good hard work, to exercise the talents which are his Wook birthright. This investigation is exactly the proper prescription and an opportunity which we can't neglect! Especially since the two of you have worked together before."

Kirdy smiled: a slow cool twisting of the mouth.

"So we have."

Glawen said anxiously: "For this reason alone, Kirdy might not be comfortable working as my subordinate. It might be better if " "Nonsense!" declared Bodwyn Wook.

"By this time you two know each other's foibles and fancies, and you should be able to cooperate in full harmony."

Kirdy nodded ponderously.

"I find this truly a wonderful opportunity."

"Then it is settled," said Bodwyn Wook. He spoke into the communicator: "Hilda, if you please!"

Hilda entered the office. Bodwyn Wook said: "Prepare travel credentials for Glawen and Kirdy. I now promote them both to the rank of sergeant; use that designation."

"Wait!" cried Glawen.

"If I am required to deal with off-world police, I would prefer higher credentials, if only for this particular assignment. I suggest the rank of captain, at the very least."

"The point is well-taken! Hilda, that shall be the way of it!"

Hilda sniffed and cast a sour glance toward Glawen.

"What of Kirdy? Is he only to be a sergeant? He might also have to deal with policemen."

Bodwyn Wook made an expansive gesture.

"Just so! Both, during this assignment, are to be captains of the Cadwal Police! Probably the youngest captains in the history of Bureau

B!"

Hilda said: "Glawen doesn't even command full Agency status, and the way things look, he never will. Isn't this something of an extravagance, making him a captain?"

"Not at all," said Bodwyn Wook.

"Neither law nor common sense debars a collateral from whatever rank he is able to earn."

Again Hilda sniffed.

"I've heard it said that for three diseases-pride, pomp and Clattuc birth--a strong dose of humility is the best medicine."

"Aha!" cried Bodwyn Wook.

"These trifles of folk wisdom often conceal nuggets of pure truth! .. What is that you are saying, Glawen?"

"I cited another nugget of folk wisdom. It's just as well that it went unheard."

Kirdy spoke in a flat voice: "He said: "A cow that has never been bred yields very sour milk, if any."" Bodwyn Wook rubbed his chin.

"Quaint, yes; relevant, no.

Hilda, you are going?"

"I have work to do."

"Call the travel office and discover the next departure for Soumjiana on Soum."

"I can tell you at this moment," said Glawen.

"The Sagittarian Ray departs at noon tomorrow."

"Very good. Captain Clattuc and Captain Wook, go at once to the

travel bureau and procure passage' vouchers then pack for the voyage. I urge that you make do with one small valise apiece. Tomorrow morning come here for your credentials, money and final advisements

Glawen and Kirdy departed the office. In silence they descended the stairs. On the ground floor Glawen said: "Let us sit a moment in the rotunda."

"Why?"

"I have something to say to you."

Kirdy turned aside and followed Glawen to a bench near the central fountain. Glawen seated himself and indicated that Kirdy should also be seated.

Kirdy stiffly refused.

"I will stand. What do you want of me?"

Glawen spoke in a neutral voice.

"We must resolve the issues that lie between us, here and now. They can wait no longer."

Kirdy laughed: a husky grating sound.

"I am in no hurry. I can wait until the proper time."

"The proper time is now."

"Really?" Kirdy chuckled.

"Is it for you to call the tune to which I must dance?"