Fader ushered the Bold Lions through the arch and into a reception room furnished with cushioned benches.

"I will wait for you here," said Fader.

"The routine is simple. Buy a ticket for ten sols at yonder wicket. This ticket includes amusing extras, for what is called an around-the-world voyage."

"No extras are needed!" said Uther.

"We opt for the five-sol ticket."

"That buys what is known as a coastwise trip," said Fader.

"In addition, for those who are so inclined, there is a selection of exhibitions, pantomimes, farces and pastiches, priced at various rates. The ticket agent will supply full information."

"That sounds interesting!" declared Aries.

"Just what I need for a spruce-up, and perhaps I'll feel my old self in the morning."

The Bold Lions filed past the wicket, bought their tickets, then stepped through a curtain of beaded glass strings into a long hall. At intervals doorways opened off the hall;

girls stood in the doorways watching the passing traffic.

All were young and well-formed; all wore simple knee-length white frocks.

Glawen chose one of the girls, and went into her chamber.

She closed the door, took the ticket, and slipped out other garment. Then

were on hand, Kiper arriving last, and it developed that Kiper had been the only Bold Lion to undertake an "around-the-world voyage."

Fader inquired if anyone cared to commission a special pageant;

receiving a negative response from Shugart he conducted the group back to the hotel.

"Will you be requiring my services tomorrow?" he asked.

"Most probably not," said Shugart.

"Beyond doubt you have made today memorable, and I, for one, will never forget you."

"That is good to hear," said Fader.

"Your praise has sweetened an otherwise trying day for me." He bowed and departed.

Shugart turned to the other Bold Lions.

"Well, what now? The night is still young!"

"I think I will settle myself to another of those excellent rum punches," said Kiper.

Cloyd declared: "For once in his life, Kiper has had a rational thought. As we drink he can describe to us the scenery encountered on his around-the-world voyage."

Glawen, meanwhile, found Kirdy sitting in a quiet corner of the lobby, turning the pages of an old magazine. Glawen slid into a seat beside him.

Kirdy tossed the magazine aside.

"How did it go at Pussycat Palace?"

"About what I expected."

"You don't seem all that enthusiastic."

"It's not an enthusiastic environment. The girls are polite enough-'dutiful' is probably a better word--but still, in the end I just drank tea."

"Most fastidious of you."

Not for the first time it occurred to Glawen that Kirdy did not like him very much.

"It wasn't that at all."

"The girl smelled bad?"

Glawen shook his head.

"This may sound peculiar, but do you remember the old man who gave me the fish?"

"Yes, of course."

"I went with the girl into her room. She took off her clothes and stood waiting. Her expression was like that of the old man. I could not bring myself to touch her."

"That's a bit fanciful, isn't it?"

"I had a nice cup of tea, and she told me her name, which I've forgotten, and the time went easily enough."

"Expensive tea," grunted Kirdy. He turned away and picked up his magazine.

Glawen asked: "How did things go with you."

she stood silent, waiting while Glawen awkwardly removed his tunic. Glawen paused, looked into the girl's face, then turned away. He winced, sighed, then donned his tunic once again.

In a worried voice the girl asked: "What is wrong? Have I done something to offend you?"

"Not at all," said Glawen.

"It seems that I'm not in the mood for this son of pit-a-pat."

The girl shrugged and pulled the frock back over her head.

She said: "I serve tea and cakes as an extra. The charge is one sol."