"I am well read. And I believe that I can hold my own ground with any college graduate."
"Perhaps. Have you attended any college or university, even for a single term?"
Guy had, but not for Ertinian publication. He shook his head and smiled defiantly.
"You understand that regulated study is far superior to the random investigations made at home?"
"If one marshals his mind to follow a prescribed pattern, the ill effects of random study are not present."
"Quite true. I feel inclined toward you—Gomanar." He thought for a moment. "We have some instruments in here at present which require repair. There is no rush on a couple of them—I'm going to try you out, Gomanar, on these. You'll pardon my taking insurance by giving you those of little urgency first. If you succeed in your repair of these instruments in equal or better than the time normally spent by accredited employees, you'll be hired. Is it a deal?"
"I'm confident enough," laughed Guy. Small tools and instrument-work came as a second nature to the Terran. "Lead me to it!"
"I have but one objection to hiring a man like you," said Jerimick. "You'll prove an excellent worker—and in forty days you'll tire of it and go to wandering again."
"I can't answer that."
"I can. You've never had a woman thrown your way. Some day one will come along and tie you down, and the whole planet will be better off for it. You're the type that we worry about."