e several reasons.

"You're from a culture whose name is a byword for moral integrity. That
makes you a good risk so far as your ethics are concerned. In addition
you're the product of one of the finest educational systems in the
galaxy-and you have proven your intelligence to my satisfaction. You
also showed me that you weren't a spineless 'yes man.' And finally, you
have a spirit of adventure. Not one in a million of your people would do
what you have done. What more could an entrepreneur ask of a prospective
employee?"

Kennon sighed and gave up. Alexander wasn't going to reveal a thing.

"All I hope," Alexander continued affably, "is that you'll find Outworld
Enterprises as attractive as did your predecessor Dr. Williamson. He was
with us until he died last month--better than a hundred years."

"Died rather young, didn't he?"

"Not exactly, he was nearly four hundred when he joined us. My
grandfather was essentially conservative. He liked older men, and Old
Doc was one of his choices--a good one, too. He was worth every credit
we paid him."

"I'll try to do as well," Kennon said, "but I'd like to warn you that I
have no intention of staying as long as he did. I want to build a clinic
and I figure sixty thousand is about enough to get started."

"When will you veterinarians ever learn to be organization men?"
Alexander asked. "You're as independent as tomcats."

Kennon grinned. "It's a breed characteristic, I guess."

Alexander shrugged. "Perhaps you'll change your mind after you've worked
for us."

"Possibly, but I doubt it."

"Tell me that five years from now," Alexander said--"Ah--here are
the contracts." He smiled at the trim secretary who entered the room
carrying a stack of papers.

"The riders are as you asked, sir," the girl said.

"Good. Now, Doctor, if you please."

"You don't mind if I check them?" Kennon asked.

"Not at all. And when you're through, just leave them on the
desk--except for your copy, of course." Alexander scrawled his signature
on the bottom of each contract. "Don't disturb me. I'll be in contact
with you. Leave your whereabouts with your hotel." He turned to the
papers in front of him, and then looked up for the last time. "Just one
more thing," he said. "You impress me as a cautious man. It would be
just as well if you carried your caution with you when you leave this
room."

Kennon nodded, and Alexander turned back to his work.

CHAPTER III

"I'd never have g