"We can permit no ugly rumor to mar the record of Guy Maynard," insisted Kane. "He is too high a figure now to permit rumors—and there are those who would spread such rumors."
Mantley nodded. "Some of them are here, and they have heard."
"You don't mind a bit of scorn?"
"Of what kind?"
"My publications will break this, of course. We'll do it in the light of an investigation made over the statements made in jest by Sector Marshal Maynard. You may find yourself an object of some scorn since you are willing to accept the prattlings of a slightly-drunken man, suffering from battle-shock, as basis for a formal investigation."
"If you'll paint me as an unwilling investigator, I'll take it."
"Well," smiled Kane, "you are unwilling, I know. You'll be portrayed as a friend of Maynard's who is forced to investigate and is doing so only because your duty to the Patrol insists that you do. Correct?"
"Yes. But let's get it over with. I wouldn't want this dragged out too far."
XIV.