Zonk's Star, rising in the east, brought the pallid light of morning to Lutwiler Country. The two flyers slid across the steppe, following the road which Glawen had traveled by bus the night before.

Glawen sat relaxed and half asleep, until he was aroused by Plock:

"Pogan's Point ahead."

Glawen sat up straight and tried to become alert. Ahead the black crag of Pogan's Point reared high into the air. Glawen pointed.

"Look! Halfway up you can see windows glittering in the sunlight! That's the seminary."

The flyers circled the crag and landed in the central square of the village. The occupants alighted and, wasting no time, started up the zigzag road which led to the seminary. Only Maase, youngest of the recruits, was left to guard the flyers and maintain contact with the office at Fexelburg.

Back, forth, back, forth, trudged the six men and finally arrived at the front of the seminary. Plock rapped at the door with the door knocker once, twice, a third time, eliciting no response. He tried the door, but found it locked. At last the door moved slowly ajar, with a dour creaking of the hinges. Mutis peered through the opening. He looked around the group, giving Glawen no sign of recognition. He growled: "What do you want with us? This is the Monomantic seminary; we know nothing of Zab Zonk or his treasure. Be off with you!"

Plock pushed the door back against Mutis' outraged protest.

"What

are you doing?" cried Mutis.

"Stand back, or it will be the worse for you!"

The IPCC agents entered the vestibule.

"Bring the Ordene Zaa here in double-quick time!"

"Who shall I say is calling?" demanded Mutis sullenly.

Glawen laughed.

"Come, Mutis! You know very well who is calling, and why. This is an IPCC squad, and you are in deep trouble."

Mutis departed and presently returned with Zaa. She halted in the entrance to the stone passage and surveyed the group.

Today she wore the garments in which Glawen had seen her first. She took note of his presence and stared at him a full three seconds. Glawen said: "If you recall, I warned that you could not molest an IPCC officer and escape without punishment. The time has come and you will see that I am right."

Zaa spoke sharply to Plock: "What is your business here?

State it quickly, then leave!"

"Glawen has hinted of our business," said Plock.

"We are in no hurry, since we intend to do a thorough job."

"What are you talking about? Do you realize that this is the Monomantic seminary?"

"You reassure me!" said Plock.

"This is the correct address and we are not making a dreadful mistake. As of now, you and all other residents of the seminary are under arrest, for offenses committed against Captain Glawen Clattuc. You may instruct them to assemble outside."

Zaa made no move to obey. She said stonily: "Your jurisdiction does not prevail. We are the law of Lutwiler Country. You must leave here or stand in defiance of the law."

Plock lost patience.

"Quickly now! If you do not obey at once my men will tie you securely and carry you outside."

Zaa shrugged and, turning her head, spoke to Mutis.

"Call general assembly outside." Zaa started to leave the room.

Glawen asked: "Where are you going?"

"It is no concern of yours."

"Answer the question, if you please," said Plock.

"I have some private affairs to which-! wish to attend."

Plock spoke to one of his subordinates: "Go with her and make sure that she destroys no records."

"I will wait," said Zaa.

The Monomantics filed downstairs and out the door, to stand blinking in the morning Zonklight.

Plock asked Zaa: "Is this all?"

Zaa looked at Mutis: "Is everyone down?"

"Everyone."

Plock spoke to the group.

"Crimes have been committed on these premises. Their full description is not yet clear, but they are certainly serious. Each one of you shares the guilt. It is irrelevant that you took no active pan in the crimes, or that it was none of your concern, or that you were preoccupied with your studies. All are accomplices, in greater or lesser degree, and all must pay the penalty."

Glawen had been looking from face to face with growing perplexity. He said: "It seems to me that one person, at least, is not here. Where is Lilo?"

No one replied. Glawen addressed his question to Zaa directly:

"Where is Lilo?"

Zaa showed a small cold smile.

"She is not here."

"I can see that. Where is she?"

"We do not discuss our internal arrangements with strangers."

"I don't want discussion: just an answer to my question.