ked at
it sourly, and laid it down.

Somehow, when Bond and those other two had been in the room, he had
sensed a vague feeling of expectancy. Those three had seemed to be
enthusiastic and hopeful about something, he was sure. But he failed to
see what. This headband certainly showed him nothing.

He stared at the band for a while longer, then put it back on and
punched the call button on his desk. As his clerk came into sight, he
watched the man closely. There _was_ a slight effect. He could sense a
vague fear. And a little, gnawing hatred. But nothing was definite, and
no details of thought came through. He shrugged.

Of course the man was fearful. He probably was reviewing his recent
mistakes, wondering which one he might be called upon to explain. Too
bad his mind wasn't clear enough to read. But what could you expect?
Possibly, he could drive Research into improving the device later.

"Anyway," he told himself, "everyone has something they're afraid of.
It's natural. And everyone has their pet hates, too." For an instant, he
thought of Harwood.

He focused his mind on a single thought. "_Get me the quarters file for
Sector Nine._"

There was a definite effect this time. There was a sharp radiation of
pained surprise. Then, there was acquiescence. The clerk started to say
something, then backed toward the door. The impression of fear
intensified. Morely smiled sardonically. The thing was an amusing toy,
at that. He might find uses for it.

He sat back, thinking. He could use it as a detector. Coupled with
shrewd reasoning, well-directed questions, and his own accurate
knowledge of human failings, it could tell him a great deal about his
people and their activities.

For instance, a question about some suspicious circumstance would cause
a twinge of fear from the erring person. And that could be detected and
localized. Further questions would produce alternate feelings of relief
and intensified fear. He nodded complacently. Very little had ever
gotten by him, he thought. But from now on, no error would remain
undiscovered or unpunished.

The clerk returned to place the file drawers convenient to his
superior's desk. He hesitated a moment, his eyes on the headband, then
picked up the completed papers from the desk and went out.

Morely riffled through the cards, idly checked a few against his notes,
and leaned back again. The file section seemed to be operating smoothly.
He looked at his desk. Everything