y clearly. He had lost all of his air of easy
aplomb. "I'm very sorry, sir. I didn't think--"

"That's just it, you didn't think. You saw nothing in that alley, yet
you asked me to come back and look. Is that the way you waste your and
my time?"

"It won't happen again, sir," Billy Kasker said contritely.

"See that it doesn't."

"Yah!" Joe Buckner gloated. "This is one time the class president got it
in the neck!"

"A very good point you have brought out," the instructor said. "Billy
has just demonstrated his unfitness to be class president. I am
therefore removing him from this position and appointing you in his
stead."

"What?" Joe Buckner gasped, giddy with pleasure.

Billy Kasker took his position in line. No longer did he bring up the
rear. Joe Buckner now had that position of honor. The group showed some
sympathy for Billy, but not very much or very long. When he lost his
position as president they seemed to change their minds about him.

The group moved slowly through the city. As if nothing had happened, the
instructor explained what they were seeing. When they asked questions,
he answered them. Billy Kasker asked no more questions.

They finally came to the gate and the same resplendent captain greeted
them. He accepted the _Thor_ gun and the holster, handed them to the
guard.

"How are things in the museum?"

"Everything is in good order, sir."

"Good. I've had the impression they were getting a little restless
lately."

"I saw no signs of it."

"Fine. Did you have any trouble with the group?"

"Very little. Billy Kasker wandered off for a few moments and I had to
demote him. But it was nothing. See you next year when I bring another
graduating class through to show them around."

The group began to separate to go to their own homes. Billy Kasker
lingered a little, to speak to the instructor. "I've already asked my
folks, sir, so I know it will be all right with them, so if you would
like to come home with me tonight--"

"Hmmmm."

"Trying to suck in again," Joe Buckner said. "It won't do you any good
now. You're cooked for good this time!"

Billy Kasker seemed not to hear him. His eyes were on the instructor.
"We would be very glad to have you, sir. We could talk about a great
many things."

"Why, Billy, in that case I will be glad to come home with you."

They moved away together. "There's one thing I want made completely
clear," Billy Kasker said.

"What is that?"

"When the