only too well. Ah, great First Principle! Little did I
reck when, in ages past, I nursed your species to civilization, just
how poorly you would serve my purpose. Peace it was I desired, but do
I get it? No! Your kingdom is powerful, but you have not the strength
to handle your own troubles. You rule twenty-nine planets--"

[Illustration]

"Thirty-seven," corrected Tresqu politely.

"--thirty-seven planets, but when a malignant force appears on your
borders, I, the Weapon, must be called upon to act in my own defense,
and for the sake of a few more restful moments in this calm glade, I
am obliged to destroy, yet it was to avoid destroying that I helped
your species to empire in the old days."

"In truth," spoke the deeply sympathetic Tresqu, "yours is a sad
story. I disturb your richly earned rest only after the sincerest
soul-searching. But affairs of state are at cross purposes in a moment
of crisis, and without your help Hova will be in danger."

"Ah, cruel Fate!" entoned the Weapon, "It aids me in no manner to
protest against your inscrutable machinations! There is no turning
aside, no avoidance of necessity!" In a less declamatory style, the
Weapon addressed Tresqu: "Very well, what is the trouble?"

Tresqu described the events on Terra for the Weapon, concluding, "Now
that the Humans have knowledge of our space drive and armament, they
are certain to attack, especially if they realize they have been
subjects for experiment."

The Weapon flitted about restlessly along the bank of the brook. "I
question the motives of my own thoughts. Do I quibble with myself in
an attempt to escape unwelcome necessities? Tell, petty lord, do your
scientists confirm the picture you paint of the Humans? Are they, like
you, alas, masterfully vicious enough to destroy the peace of dozens
of planets for nothing but revenge?"

"So the scientists say, mighty Weapon," answered Tresqu.

"You, Lord of War, why are you silent when your face is strained with
words crying for expression?" asked the Weapon. "Speak your mind."

Wert squirmed. "If it please Your Mightiness, and you, Your Gracious
Wisdom, I believe the Humans will know that we desire their
destruction, and will try to defeat us for the sake of their own
survival rather than revenge."

"A most convincing point, Lord of War," said the Weapon.

Tresqu flashed a forgiving smile at Wert while the Weapon paused
before continuing:

"However, I fear my unwilling spirit ref