emons." Ladro paused, pointing overside. "See,"
he said in a pleased tone, "here is an envoy from Kondaro."

* * * * *

Musa's gaze followed the pointing finger. A huge fish was cruising
alongside, gliding effortlessly through the waves, and occasionally
leaping into the air.

"An envoy?"

"Yes. So long as a kontar follows a ship, fair weather and smooth
sailing may be expected. They are sent by Kondaro as guardians for
those ships he especially favors."

At a call from the priest in the stern, two sailors appeared, carrying
chunks of meat. As the priest chanted, they tossed these overside. The
great fish rose from the water, catching one of the chunks as it fell,
then dropped back, and the water frothed whitely as he retrieved the
other. He gulped the meat, then swam contentedly, still pacing the ship.

"Suppose someone fell overboard?" Musa gazed at the kontar in
fascination.

Ladro and Min-ta exchanged glances.

"If one is favored by the Great One," replied Min-ta slowly, "it is
believed that the kontar would guard him from harm. Otherwise, the
sacrifice would be accepted."

Musa looked at the clear water, then glanced back to the spot of foam
which drew astern.

"I don't believe I'll try any swimming from the ship." He backed
slightly from the rail, glancing quickly at Ladro and Min-ta, then
looking away again.

He suddenly realized that he had exceeded his quota of questions, and
that he could get into trouble. He had noted that most of the ship's
company appeared to know the other traders aboard, even though some of
them hadn't been to sea before. Min-ta and Ladro were obviously well
acquainted with several of the ship's officers. But he, Musa, was a
stranger.

He had already observed that the priesthood of Kondaro was not averse to
a quick profit, and that they placed a low value on the lives and
possessions of others. He had dealt with tribes ashore, who had the
simple, savage ethic:

"He is a stranger? Kill him! Take his goods, and kill him."

Ashore, he had protected himself during his many trips by consorting
with other traders of good reputation, and by hiring guards. But here?
He remembered the remarks made by Kerunar back in Manotro.

"When I face the thief or the bandit, I prefer to have a weapon in my
hand."

Slowly, he collected himself, and looked back at Ladro and Min-ta.

"If you gentlemen will excuse me," he apologized, "I have some accounts
to