e room and shook Jon's inoperable hand.

"The name is Wil Counter-4951L3, not that _that_ means much any more.
I've worn so many different bodies that I forget what I originally
looked like. I went right from factory-school to a police training
school--and I have been on the job ever since--Force of Detectives,
Sergeant Jr. grade, Investigation Department. I spend most of my time
selling candy bars or newspapers, or serving drinks in crumb joints.
Gather information, make reports and keep tab on guys for other
departments.

"This last job--and I'm sorry I had to use a Venex identity, I don't
think I brought any dishonor to your family--I was on loan to the
Customs department. Seems a ring was bringing uncut junk--heroin--into
the country. F.B.I. tabbed all the operators here, but no one knew how
the stuff got in. When Coleman, he's the local big-shot, called the
agencies for an underwater robot, I was packed into a new body and sent
running.

"I alerted the squad as soon as I started the tunnel, but the damned
thing caved in on me before I found out what ship was doing the
carrying. From there on you know what happened.

"Not knowing I was out of the game the squad sat tight and waited. The
hop merchants saw a half million in snow sailing back to the old country
so they had you dragged in as a replacement. You made the phone call and
the cavalry rushed in at the last moment to save two robots from a rusty
grave."

Jon, who had been trying vainly to get in a word, saw his chance as Wil
Counter turned to admire the reflection of his new figure in a window.

"You shouldn't be telling me those things--about your police
investigations and department operations. Isn't this information
supposed to be secret? Specially from robots!"

"Of course it is!" was Wil's airy answer. "Captain Edgecombe--he's the
head of my department--is an expert on all kinds of blackmail. I'm
supposed to tell you so much confidential police business that you'll
have to either join the department or be shot as a possible informer."
His laughter wasn't shared by the bewildered Jon.

"Truthfully, Jon, we need you and can use you. Robes that can think fast
and act fast aren't easy to find. After hearing about the tricks you
pulled in that warehouse, the Captain swore to decapitate me permanently
if I couldn't get you to join up. Do you need a job? Long hours, short
pay--but guaranteed to never get boring."

Wil's voice was suddenly serious. "Yo