"By Nemi!" the Buddha-faced Mercurian ejaculated suddenly. He pointed at Mia who was slipping through the window to her study. "The girl is escaping. After her, Tong!"
The Venusian serf leaped in pursuit, but Cosmo halted him with a lifted hand. "She won't go far." He turned back to the Mercurian. "I give the orders," he said.
The moon-faced little man bowed good-naturedly. Cosmo realized he wasn't even armed.
"What are you doing with this pair of cut-throats?" he asked.
"We understand one another," the Mercurian replied blandly. "I act as a governor. My presence restrains them from indulging in an excess of blood letting."
"Who sent you to me?" Cosmo asked shrewdly. "Was it Penang-ihtok?"
The Mercurian shuddered. "Yes. A violent man, that Penang-ihtok. An outcast Fozoql."
"He's safe then?" Cosmo interrupted. "Bemmelman doesn't suspect him?"
"No."
"Good." He frowned, said: "Go now. Your time is short."