he wants to talk to the hill people,
eh?" His grin became wider.

"But somebody at Riandar, he gets a rush of brains to the head, see?
And the border patrol, they challenge this old guy, you get it? Just a
routine check, see, but the old guy, he don't get the word so quick.

"So they don't take no chances up there. They knock him down in some
canyon up there." He shrugged.

"So all this leaves this Masterson, you could talk to him, maybe he
sings us some nice music." He turned away.

"I stay around, back at my desk. Maybe I should think of a question or
two while we talk, the three of us, eh?"

* * * * *

The royal gold and blue receded from the screen and Merle Boyce's face
looked out at his audience.

"This," he said shortly, "is the second day of the hunt for the Wells
gang." He came out from behind his desk, his piercing eyes intent.

"For the past full day, this group of robbers have made their way
toward the west. It is thought they hope to join rebellious hill tribes
somewhere in the Morek region." He paused.

"Late yesterday afternoon," he continued, "these four men burned their
way through a road block near Riandar. And despite reinforced blocks
and stringent sky checks, they are still at large. All subjects of the
realm are urgently requested to notify the authorities of any
suspicious strangers."

He faded from the screen, to be replaced by the figures of four men.

"In co-operation with the Enforcement Corps," his voice continued, "we
are showing pictures of the fugitives. We see here, Howard Wells, Merla
Koer, Dowla Wodl, and Jake Milton." The voice stopped for a moment,
then continued.

"These men are regarded as extremely dangerous. Subjects are urged to
make no effort to approach them personally. Notify the authorities
immediately if they are seen."

Don reached to the switch and snapped the receiver off.

"I don't like it," he said slowly. "I don't like any part of it."

"Think we might have visitors?" Pete looked at him thoughtfully.

Don nodded. "It could be just a build-up," he said. "Did you get that
thrust about the tribes?"

Jasu Waern cleared his throat. "You mean those four are perhaps----"

"I doubt if those four ever lived," Don told him. "At least not with
those names. If we have visitors, they'll be more official--and a lot
more dangerous." He paused.

"Wish Dad had come back. I'd like to get you off to the hills. Not so
comfor