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I'll be forced to recommend subliminal reorientation during stasis." He clamped stout handcuffs on Blote's
broad wrists.
"You Vegans," he said, dusting his hands briskly. "Will you never learn?"
"Now, officer," Blote said, "you're acting hastily. Actually, I'm working in the interest of this little world,
as my associate Dan will gladly confirm. I have information which will be of considerable interest to you.
Snithian has stated that he is in the employ of the Ivroy "
"If the Ivroy's so powerful, why was it necessary to hire Snithian to steal pictures?" Dan interrupted.
"Perish the thought, Dan. Snithian's assignment was merely to duplicate works of art and transmit them
to the Ivroy."
"Here," Snithian cut in. "Restrain that obscene mouth!"
Dzhackoon raised a hand. "Kindly remain silent, sir. Permit my prisoners their little chat."
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"You may release them to my custody," Snithian snapped.
Dzhackoon shook his head. "Hardly, sir. A most improper suggestion even from an agent of the
Ivroy." He nodded at Dan. "You may continue."
"How do you duplicate works of art?" Dan demanded.
"With a matter duplicator. But, as I was saying, Snithian saw an opportunity to make extra profits by
retaining the works for repeated duplications and sale to other customers such as myself."
"You mean there are other customers around?"
"I have dozens of competitors, Dan, all busy exporting your artifacts. You are an industrious and talented
race, you know."
"What do they buy?"
"A little of everything, Dan. It's had an influence on your designs already, I'm sorry to say. The work is
losing its native purity."
Dan nodded. "I have had the feeling some of this modern furniture was designed for Martians."
"Ganymedans, mostly. The Martians are graphic arts fans, while your automobiles are designed for the
Plutonian trade. They have a baroque sense of humor."
"What will the Ivroy do when he finds out Snithian's been double-crossing him?"
"He'll think of something, I daresay. I blame myself for his defection, in a way. You see, it was my
carrier which made it possible for Snithian to carry out his thefts. Originally, he would simply enter a
gallery, inconspicuously scan a picture, return home and process the recording through the duplicator.
The carrier gave him the idea of removing works en masse, duplicating them and returning them the next
day. Alas, I agreed to join forces with him. He grew greedy. He retained the paintings here and
proceeded to produce vast numbers of copies which he doubtless sold to my competitors, the crook!"
Dzhackoon had whipped out a notebook and was jotting rapidly.
"Now, let's have those names and addresses," he said. "This will be the biggest round-up in IDMS
history."
"And the pinch will be yours, dear sir," Blote said. "I foresee early promotion for you." He held out his
shackled wrists. "Would you mind?"
"Well . . ." Dzhackoon hesitated, but unlocked the cuffs. "I think I'm on firm ground. Just don't mention it
to Inspector Spoghodo."
"You can't do that!" Snithian snapped. "These persons are dangerous!"
"That is my decision. Now "
Snithian brought out the pistol with a sudden movement. "I'll brook no interference from meddlers "
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* * *
There was a sound from the door. All heads turned. The girl Dan had seen in the house stood in the
doorway, glancing calmly from Snithian to Blote to Dzhackoon. When her eyes met Dan's she smiled.
Dan thought he had never seen such a beautiful face and the figure matched.
"Get out, you fool!" Snithian snapped. "No; come inside, and shut the door."
"Leave the girl out of this, Snithian," Dan croaked.
"Now I'll have to destroy all of you," Snithian keened. "You first of all, ugly native!" He aimed the gun at
Dan.
"Put the gun down, Mr. Snithian," the girl said in a warm, melodious voice. She seemed completely
unworried by the grotesque aliens, Dan noted abstractedly.
Snithian swiveled on her. "You dare !"
"Oh, yes, I dare, Snithian." Her voice had a firm ring now.
Snithian stared at her. "Who . . . are you . . . ?"
"I am the Ivroy."
Snithian wilted. The gun fell to the floor. His fantastically tall figure drooped, his face suddenly gray.
"Return to your home, Snithian," the girl said sadly. "I will deal with you later."
"But . . . but . . ." His voice was a thin squeak.
"Did you think you could conceal your betrayal from the Ivroy?" she said softly.
Snithian turned and blundered from the room, ducking under the low door. The Ivroy turned to
Dzhackoon.
"You and your Service are to be commended," she said. "I leave the apprehension of the culprits to
you." She nodded at Blote. "I will rely on you to assist in the task and to limit your operations thereafter
to non-interdicted areas."
"But of course, your worship. You have my word as a Vegan. Do visit me on Vorplisch some day. I'd [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]