“Fewer each year,” said Tanub.
“There’s how they get their slaves,” hissed Stetson.
“You speak excellent Galactese,” said Orne.
“The High Path Chief commanded the best teacher,” said Tanub. “Do you, too, know many things, Orne?”
“That’s why I was sent here,” said Orne.
“Are there many planets to teach?” asked Tanub.
“Very many,” said Orne. “Your city—I saw very tall buildings. Of what do you build them?”
“In your tongue—glass,” said Tanub. “The engineers of the Delphinus said it was impossible. As you saw—they are wrong.”
“A glass-blowing culture,” hissed Stetson. “That’d explain a lot of things.”
Slowly, the disguised sled crept through the jungle. Once, a scout swooped down into the headlights, waved. Orne stopped on Tanub’s order, and they waited almost ten minutes before proceeding.