The two walked down the Parade to the Phlodoric Agency.

Sirrah Kyrbs, sitting at his desk, looked up with a slack face. He rose and greeted them with a stiff bow.

"May I be of service?"

"I hope so, sir. This is my colleague. Sergeant Kirdy Wook.

I have a few more questions, if I may again impose upon your patience."

"I will surely respond as the law directs, within such limits as may be dictated by discretion."

"You need have no fears. Your information will be kept in strict confidence."

"Ask on."

"Is the name "Sir Mathor Borph' known to you?"

"Naturally. Sir Mathor is one of our valued patrons."

"What of Sir Lonas Medlyn?"

"I know the name. His family is perhaps less estimable than that of Sir Mathor."

"I understand that both Sir Mathor and Sir Lonas recently traveled off-world. No doubt you made the necessary arrangements?"

"Sir, I may not, in all responsibility, discuss the affairs of our clients."

"I fear that to some extent you must put aside your scruples," said Glawen.

"This is an official police inquiry.

It is your duty, and it also serves the best interests of your firm, to assist us. Additionally, your remarks will be regarded as confidential."

"Hm. How do I advance the interests of my firm by engaging in unwise volubility?"

"I need not describe the coercive powers of the IPCC. But, obviously, Phlodorus could not survive if transport companies refused to honor tickets issued by the agency."

"Hm. Allow me to see your credentials."

"Certainly." Glawen produced his documents, and Kirdy did like wise.

"You will notice that we are full IPCC affiliates."

Sirrah Kyrbs shrugged and returned the documents.

"The IPCC is not held in high esteem on Natrice: no doubt a survival from the attitudes of the first settlers. Indeed, we lack a permanent IPCC office here on Natrice. Well, no matter. It is neither here nor there. I will try to answer any reasonable question."

"Thank you. I take it you did sell tickets to Sir Mathor and Sir Lonas?"

"It is hardly a secret. Several months ago Sir Mathor and Sir Lonas took passage for Cadwal, aboard the Perseian Lines' Alphecca Sword-stone."

Glawen nodded.

"So far, so good. Now, what of six Sanart Scientists Their names would be " Sirrah Kyrbs made a small gesture.

"I know the group, and I am surprised that they chose to travel on what would seem a frivolous occasion. These persons, as you may know, often adhere to fixed opinions."

"And they also purchased their tickets through you?"

"Not in person. I sold a block of six tickets, in their names, to a young lady who described herself as their representative."

"This young lady: how did she identify herself?"

"She did not trouble to do so. I took her for an off-world person, of no great connection definitely not a Sanart Scientist."

"Was she a guest here at the hotel?"

"I think not. She wanted the tickets at once, so that she need not make another trip to pick them up."

"You have no clue, then, as to her identity?"

"None. She paid the account in cash and I dismissed the matter from my mind, except for a moment of amusement when I thought of the Scientists and the Patrunes traveling together to the same destination, and I wondered if they would speak."

"A curious situation," said Glawen.

"We see many such in our business, and it is not our place to speculate upon who goes where with whom, if you catch my meaning."

"Oh, definitely."

"I can tell you no more. If you require further information, I suggest that you consult the principals."

"That is an excellent idea," said Glawen.

"I should have thought of it myself. Where will I find Sir Mathor and Sir Lonas?"

Sirrah Kyrbs gave a small grimace.

"I had the Scientists in mind. The Patrunes can vouchsafe no information whatever;

they bought only their own tickets."

"All is grist for the mill," said Glawen.

"We will put a few casual questions to Sir Mathor, and perhaps he will be able to clear up the entire affair."

Sirrah Kyrbs cleared his throat, looked all around the room, clasped his hands behind his back and leaned toward Glawen.

"I confess to curiosity. What is the nature of this so-called affair?"