Miko--a disturbing suggestion of irony. I could not make him out.
I decided that we had fooled him. Then I remarked the steely glitter
of his eyes as he turned to me.

"You were an officer of the _Planetara_?"

The insignia of my rank was visible on my white jacket collar which
showed beneath the Erentz suit now that my helmet was off.

"Yes. I was supposed to be. But a year ago I embarked upon this
adventure with Miko."

He was leading us to his cabin. "The _Planetara_ wrecked? Miko dead?"

"And Hahn and Coniston. George Prince too. We are the only survivors."

While we divested ourselves of the Erentz suits, at his command, I
told him briefly of the _Planetara's_ fall. All had been killed on
board, save Anita and me. We had escaped, awaited his coming. The
treasure was here; we had located the Grantline camp, and were ready
to lead him to it.

Did he believe me? He listened quietly. He seemed not shocked at the
death of his comrades. Nor yet pleased: merely imperturbable.

I added with a sly, sidelong glance, "There were too many of us on the
_Planetara_. The purser had joined us and many of the crew. And there
was Miko's sister, the _Setta_ Moa--too many. The treasure divides
better among less."

An amused smile played on his thin gray lips. But he nodded. The fear
which had leaped at me was allayed by his next words.

"True enough, Haljan. He was a domineering fellow, Miko. A third of it
all was for him alone. But now...."

The third would go to this sub-leader, Potan! The implication was
obvious.

I said, "Before we go any further, I can trust you for my share?"

"Of course."

I figured that my very boldness in bargaining so prematurely would
convince him. I insisted, "Miss Prince will have her brother's share?"

Clever Anita! She put in swiftly, "Oh, I give no information until you
promise! We know the location of the Grantline camp, its weapons, its
defences, the amount and location of the treasure. I warn you, if you
do not play us fair...."

He laughed heartily. He seemed to like us. He spread his huge legs as
he lounged in his settle, and drank of the bowl which one of his men
set before him.

"Little tigress! Fear me not--I play fair!" He pushed two of the bowls
across the table. "Drink, Haljan. All is well with us and I am glad to
know it. Miss Prince, drink my health as your leader."

I waved it away from Anita. "We need all our wits; your strong Martian
drinks are dangerous. Look her