"Is it a capital crime, then, to wish to read a paper?"
Still frowning, Cleverest sank into a chair.
"What you need is a little common or kindergarten instruction. A bit more and you'll have us all in the pit for conspiracy. To begin, then, are you aware that no one in this city, barring those born in Penn Service or the officials under their control, is allowed to read any literature more informing than a sign post, an instruction pamphlet or a telephone directory? The only books, the only papers, the only manuscripts in existence are circulated and confined strictly to the Temple and the Temple people. The Supreme Servant himself is the only man having access to the more important documents and books, although there is a lesser library open to officials who care for study.
"Furthermore, the City of Philadelphia having reached a state of perfection under the beneficent power of Penn, his Servants have made it their business to keep it so. Advance or retrogression would be alike objectionable. That is obvious and logical. Everything is most exquisitely standardized. To change so much as a syllable of the language, a style in garments, the architecture or interior arrangement of a building, is rightly regarded as a capital offense. No man, saving the Servants or their emissaries, is allowed to pass outside city limits. No stranger in my time or knowledge has ever crossed them from without. You yourselves are the sole exceptions."
"But," puzzled Drayton, "how does Penn Service keep the city in subjection? We come from a place of far different customs and spirit, where innumerable armed troops would be required for such a business. You have only the usual police."
The man laughed. "There is a fear more restraining than the fear of bullets. Penn, the mighty All-Father, stands behind his Servants and justifies their acts." The Superlative spoke reverently, but it was a threadbare reverence through which gleamed more than a hint of mockery. "Do you recall," he continued, "that great Red Bell which hangs beneath the golden Dome of Justice? There is a saying in this city, 'When the Bell strikes, we die.' It is named the Threat of Penn. The people believe implicitly that should the Servants become incensed and strike that Bell, the city, the people, the very earth itself would dissolve into air like thin smoke! I myself can't tell you how this supersti-I should say, this faith originated. But it is a very deep-rooted and convenient one. Have you any other questions?"
"One more, and it is this. During the day I have heard Penn Service referred to as sacred. Last night the judge spoke of the 'sacred precincts.' What we called City Hall you call the Temple. Just now you referred to 'Penn, the mighty All-Father.' Is Penn Service a religious organization?"
The other stared. "Religious? That is a word I have never before heard. Penn is the All-Father. The Numbers worship and pray to him. Immobile and benevolent he stands, high above our petty affairs, speaking to none save his Servants. Through his wisdom they, the twelve great Servants of Penn, are the Supreme and only power-the Masters of his City!"
Drayton sighed deeply. "We are indebted to you, sir, for your frankness. In future we will certainly try to keep out of trouble."
"I trust you will." Cleverest rose to take his departure. "I've set my heart on upsetting Lovely's little game. By the way, where is that other chap-Bertram, you call him?"