"I soon found out, for Kane came back leading the girl by the hand. I might have said 'dragging,' but it wasn't quite that obvious. At closer view, wearing a sort of chiton-draped white dress, she was even more lovely than I'd thought. The long lashes veiled her eyes, except when she acknowledged Kane's introductions with a quick glance and a murmured, 'How do you do.' Her name was Nalja.
"Hays was obviously impressed and, in his uninhibited way, said, 'Good Lord, Kane! If I had a dream like this at home, I wouldn't hide her. I'd keep her out on display to make the other guys jealous.'
"The girl gave him a grateful look and just a flicker of a smile, but said nothing.
"Simon Kane's reaction was curious. The color drained from his face and hostile was the only word for his expression. Then he seemed to get under control and became his genial self. 'My dear,' he said to his wife, 'we thought you could give a hint about the text of the fourteenth tablet. Are you far enough along?'
"Her voice was low and throaty, with a slight British accent. 'I'm sorry. I have only just started.'
"'Have you no idea what it's about?'
"'Only that it seems to be some sort of testimonial. The language symbols are a little different than the others and it's difficult to read.'
"Then she was gone and Porter Hays stood looking at the door through which she had passed, as if he had just seen a vision."
"Wait a minute, Donner," Caples cut in. "How's that tape holding out, young man?"