"I have done nothing, lord. Last night you saved my life, for my family."
"Do you wish to stay at Balata 'kai?"
"We lowborn are told Balata 'kai is a frightful place," said Ranmut, shaking his head dolefully. "We lowborn are told it is most dangerous for us to approach this shrine."
"And still you came," Matlin marveled. "Will you leave now?"
Ranmut shuffled his feet in the sand. "I'll stay if the Lord Matlin wishes."
But Matlin shook his head. "By all means go back."
"If the Lord needs me—"
"No, you can deliver a message for me in Junction City. In the Arcturan hospital, to a Dr. Quotis. Tell him that his patient Matlin is seeking his lost memory at Balata 'kai. Show him the newspaper article and say for certain reasons Matlin does not trust the archaeologist Gawroi. And tell him Matlin has not gone to the police because first he must find something which the police don't want him to find. Ask Quotis to contact the Earth authorities in Junction City, if he thinks that best. You'll do this?"
"Of course, lord," Ranmut said simply, and bowed.
"And don't do that. Don't bow. You're a man, Ranmut. You're as good a man as I am, or Felg, or anyone."