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Show interminable meetings. "Indeed," Farquar continued relentlessly, "a simple-minded fool by the name of Grant-Sheblem " Here the three at the table blenched and grabbed the arms of their chairs. "...had an army of rebels all trained to take over the Governor and institute military rule!" "In the twenty-fourth century?" cried Andrus. "Aye," said Belinda Farquar. "The man was enamored of the Earthski, Napoleon, and has only half a b r a i n . . . ." The Visitor looked at Belinda, astonished. Truly, BauerWorlde is full of surprises! "And the invasion from the Provincials?" he asked. Belinda waved a hand in dismissal. "'Tis all over, 'tis all over, thanks be to a little crowd of Zetts and a woman named Needlesmith." "Zetts!" cried Ivan. "Ye jest, Farquar, I swear by the two-hundred S a i n t s . . . . " And Needlesmith! he thought. The Needlesmiths are all scholars with scarce the ability to dress themselves! Then he stopped and looked at her. Indeed, the woman did not appear to be jesting, she seemed indeed to know what she talks about, exact, and she must needs have come from somewhere in the HighTartars. That was obvious, the way she be dressed. No Bauercrat ever dressed like that, even those skilled in archery. "But why," asked the Visitor, "would these Provincials want to invade the Commendiums? " "Well," said Belinda, "'Tis a long story " "Tellest thou us this story," said Ivan, who finally extricated his cigar and was attempting with some difficulty to light it. "Obviously, we've been full...full out of things " His voice trailed off and his 352 |
