have let yourself fail on examination questions you did not
know, when you could have read the answers in your instructor's mind."

"No, not that, sir," Hanlon shook his head. "I never could read from a
mind such specific information as answers to questions or to problems."

"I imagine that will come when you start using your talent maturely,"
Admiral Rogers shrugged indifferently. "But at the moment I want to talk
very seriously about your assignment. First, however, I must have your
most solemn oath never to reveal what I am about to tell you, for it is
our most carefully-guarded secret."

"I swear by my mother's memory, sir, never to reveal anything I am told
to keep confidential."

"Very well. I have been delegated by the High Command to ask you to join
the Secret Service of the Inter-stellar Corps."

Cadet George Hanlon drew in a sharp, startled breath and half-rose from
his chair. "The ... the Secret Service, sir? I didn't know there was
one."

"I told you it was top secret," Admiral Rogers said impressively. "We
believe no one knows anything about its existence outside of the
membership of that service, and officers of the rank of Rear Admiral or
above."

The young cadet sat silent, his eyes on the tips of his polished boots,
as though to see reflected there the answer to this astounding new
situation that had been slapped into his consciousness.

This was all so utterly unforeseen. He had dreamed of doing great deeds
in the Corps, of course, but actually had never expected to be assigned
to anything but routine work at first. His mind was a chaotic whirlpool
of conjectures. How could he fit into such an organization? Why had he
been selected? Surely, the fact that as a child he was supposed to have
been a mind-reader wasn't enough ... or was it, from their standpoint?

After some time he looked up. "I don't know as I'd make a very good
detective, sir."

Admiral Rogers threw back his head and laughed, breaking the tension. "I
think, and so do the top men of the Secret Service, who have studied you
thoroughly, that you will soon become one of its most useful members."

That was another shock, but out of it grew determination.

"Very well, sir, I'll try it."

"Good! But not 'try it,' Hanlon. Once you're in, it's for life. And
there's one other thing I haven't told you yet. I couldn't, until after
you had agreed to join. This may make you change your mind, which you
are still at liberty to do."

Th