Shugart threw his arms in the air.

"As you like. I will say no more."

Jardine said: "I've picked up Some information around the lobby.

It seems that they'll try to charge ten sols but will take five. Ignore all extras; they are frosting on the cake, so to speak, and quite redundant. Gratuities also are unnecessary; the entire take goes directly to Titus Pompo, who doesn't so much as lift a finger to earn it."

The group removed to the lobby. Kirdy took Glawen aside.

"It looks as if the excursion is breaking up early."

Glawen assented.

"So it does."

"If the group goes, it takes our cover with it." Kirdy spoke in a terse staccato voice, as if he suspected Glawen of insubordinate tendencies.

"We're left out in the open: two obvious Bureau B types. All of which means that we've got to accelerate our program and do what we can tonight."

"I suppose that's the way of it."

Kirdy looked off across the lobby.

"Frankly, as of now, I don't see that there's much we can accomplish in safety."

Glawen glanced skeptically sidewise. What was Kirdy trying to tell him, without enunciating the specific words? Glawen said deliberately:

"That's what we'll have to decide after reconnaissance."

Kirdy cleared his throat.

"We can't go too far too fast, and safety must be the first consideration. Do you agree?"

"More or less. But " "Never mind the buts. This is my plan. While the rest of you are at Pussycat Palace, I'll cast about in an unobtrusive manner and discover what's within range of the possible.

Then, when you get back, if anything seems feasible, we'll get on with the job."

Glawen sat silent.

"Well?" demanded Kirdy.

"I still don't want to go to Pussycat Palace."

"Go anyway!" snapped Kirdy.

"No one must suspect that we're associated except as Bold Lions. We probably shouldn't be talking now. You'd better join the others."

Kirdy arose and went off to examine the grotesques. Glawen sighed and joined the Bold Lions.

A few minutes later Fader appeared.

"Is everyone on hand?"

Shugart said: "Two of the group aren't up to it. There'll be just seven."

"I still must charge nine sols, since that was the quoted price, and I turned down another job in order to keep faith with you."

"Seven persons: seven sols, gratuity included. That is all you will get from us," said Shugart.

"Take it or leave it."

Fader shook his bronze curls in pain.

"You Araminta workers are both hard and crooked; I pity the poor girls at the Palace if your erections are of similar quality. Very well, I yield to your avarice. Give me the seven sols."

"Ha, ha, ha," laughed Shugart.

"You shall be paid upon our return. Are you ready?"

"Yes; let's be on our way."

"The Bold Lions are on the prowl!" Kiper called out.

"Girls, beware!"

"Kiper, if you please!" said Jardine.

"We do not need to advertise our indiscretions. This is by tradition a furtive activity."

"Exactly so," said Uther.

"If you insist on calling out slogans, at least identify us as the Theosophical Society, or the Temperance Union."

Aries suddenly bestirred himself.

"I'm not altogether well, but I think I'll go along just for the company."

Fader said: "You must pay the requisite fee of one sol."

"Yes, by all means! Let's go."

"Follow me, then! Do not stray!"

Fader led the group along the passages of Yipton and finally brought them to an arched portico faced with lavender dies.

A sign indi ted in blue symbols read:

PALACE OF HAPPY PLAY