"That was a nice try, Carroll, but availing nothing. I'll tell you this, however—what you have learned this night is of no more use to you than a complete knowledge of archeology so far as an answer to your present problem goes.
"And for your trouble—it is a rather complimentary thing that you'd make such a try, and we'll all commend you—I'll be your guest for breakfast."
"Thank you," said Carroll cryptically. "I hope I'm amusing."
Rhinegallis stood up and faced Carroll. "You are quite a man," she said earnestly. "And though we must—use you—we still admire you."
"One might admire the tenacity and ability of a pet dog who is working its way through a maze toward a hunk of steak," he said quietly. "Yet one does not consider the dog our equal."
Rhinegallis shook her head. "Would it please you to know that you are a threat to us?"
"I've known that," he returned quickly. "And so is a dog a threat to man. Dogs can kill. They do not because they know that they are dependent for life upon becoming man's friend."
"And you?"
He smiled sourly. "Again the question of ethics," he said. "For no matter what I say you know that I shall do anything I find necessary to defeat you."
"We will never accept your word as bond," she told him. "Were it a simple matter of personal integrity and honor we could take it and be satisfied. But there is too much at stake. A man would be a complete fool to give his word and keep it when his future hangs in the balance."