"Um," said the Commissioner. He didn't appear anxious to pursue that line.
"Natal's not the only witness," said Cosmo. He pointed at Mia. "The Renegade kidnapped Miss MacIver. She tried to reach you by telecast."
"She did!" The Commissioner enthusiastically smacked his right fist in his left palm. "By heaven, she did! But when my men got there, he'd gotten away with her."
"I don't think she'll object to taking the witness stand either," said Cosmo in a thoughtful voice. "After all, Bemmelman murdered her father."
"No." Mia's voice was so low that the Commissioner had to bend forward to hear her. "No. I won't mind being a witness. Bemmelman kidnapped me."
"I didn't kidnap her. I rescued her from the Renegade." The sweat was pouring from the planter's forehead.
The girl's head jerked up. She said in a ringing voice, "Then how do you explain this?" and exposed the brand on her shoulder.
The Commissioner's eyes started from their sockets.
"You might call the head overseer and check on Bemmelman's movements," suggested Cosmo.
The Commissioner nodded.