"Plate then, I guess—don't want to butt in."
In a few moments chief of staff and Gray Lensman were in image face-to-face.
"How are you making out, Kinnison?" The Port Admiral studied the young man's face intently, gravely, line by line. Then, upon his Lens, "We heard about the shows you put on, clear over here on Tellus. A man can't drink and dope the way you did without suffering consequences. I've been wondering if even you can fight it off. How about it? How do you feel now?"
"Some craving, of course," Kinnison replied, shrugging his shoulders. "That can't be helped—you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs. However, I can assure you as a fact that it's nothing I can't lick. I've got it pretty well boiled out of my system already."
"Mighty glad to hear that, son. Only Ellison and I know who Wild Bill Williams really is. You had us scared stiff for a while." Then, speaking aloud:
"I would like to have you come to my office as soon as is convenient after you land."
"I'll be there, chief, two minutes after we hit the bumpers," and he was.
"Right of way, Norma?" he asked, waving an airy salute at the attractive young woman in Haynes' outer office.
"Go right in, Lensman Kinnison, he's waiting for you," and opening the door for him, she stood aside as he strode into the sanctum.