t to bowl them over with an eon-long vista of
Ryke superiority in the sciences. At least that was most certainly the
effect on them. Hockley cursed his own feeling of ignorance and
inferiority as the guide led them quietly past the works of the masters,
offering but little comment, letting them see for themselves the obvious
relationships.

In the massive display showing developments of spaceflight, the atomic
vessels, not much different from Earthmen's best efforts, were far down
the line, very near to the earliest attempts of the Rykes to rocket
their way into space. Beyond that level was an incredible series of
developments incomprehensible to most of the Earthmen.

[Illustration]

And to all their questions the guide offered the monotonous reply: "That
will be explained to you later. We only wish to give you an overall
picture of our culture at the present time."

But this was not enough for one of the astronomers, named Moore, who
moved ahead of Hockley in the crowd. Hockley saw the back of Moore's
neck growing redder by the minute as the guide's evasive answer was
repeated. Finally, Moore forced a discussion regarding the merits of
some systems of comparing the brightness of stars, which the guide
briefly showed them. The guide, in great annoyance, burst out with a
stream of explanation that completely flattened any opinions Moore might
have had. But at the same time the astronomer grinned amiably at the
Ryke. "That ought to settle that," he said. "I'll bet it won't take a
week to get our system changed back home."

Moore's success loosened the restraint of the others and they beseiged
the guide mercilessly then with opinions, questions, comparisons--and
even mild disapprovals. The guide's exasperation was obvious--and
pleasant--to Hockley, who remained a bystander. It was frightening to
Markham and some of the other senators who were unable to take part in
the discussion. But most of the scientists failed to notice it in their
eagerness to learn.

After dinner that night they gathered in the lounge and study of their
quarters. Markham stood beside Hockley as they partook cautiously of the
cocktails which the Rykes had attempted to duplicate for them. The
Senator's awe had returned to overshadow any concern he felt during the
events of the afternoon. "A wonderful day!" he said. "Even though this
visit delays completion of our arrangements with the Rykes those of us
here will be grateful forever that you pro