your satisfaction, of course, must come after that of Honorable
Sirzob."

"If I may intrude," Klarnood put in smoothly, "may I suggest that as
the Lord Virzal is represented by his Assassins, yours can represent
all three of you at the same time. I will gladly offer my own good
offices as impartial supervisor."

Verkan Vall turned and bowed as to royalty. "An honor,
Assassin-President: I am sure no one could act in that capacity more
satisfactorily."

"Well, when would it be most convenient to arrange the details?"
Klarnood inquired. "I am completely at your disposal, gentlemen."

"Why, here and now, while we're all together," Verkan Vall replied.

"I object to that!" Marnark of Bashad vociferated. "We can't make
arrangements here; why, all these hotel people, from the manager down,
are nothing but tipsters for the newscast services!"

"Well, what's wrong with that?" Verkan Vall demanded. "You knew that
when you slandered the Lady Dallona in their hearing."

"The Lord Virzal of Verkan is correct," Klarnood ruled. "And the
offenses for which you have challenged him were also committed in
public. By all means, let's discuss the arrangements now." He turned
to Verkan Vall. "As the challenged party, you have the choice of
weapons; your opponents, then, have the right to name the conditions
under which they are to be used."