"Oh. And did you arrive at any conclusion, Burlet?"
"I believe I ave, sir. As I understand it, scientists and statesmen are exerting their energies to fight the Grass."
"That's right." I was beginning to be bored. Had the butler fallen prey to one of the graminophile sects like Brother Paul's and gone through all this rigmarole merely to give me notice previous to immolating himself?
"And so far they ave achieved no success?"
"Obviously, Burlet."
"Well then, sir, would it not be a sensible precaution to find some means of refuge until and if they find a way to kill the Grass?"
"There is no 'if,' Burlet. The means will be found, and shortly—of that I am sure. As for temporary refuge until that time, no doubt it would be excellent, if practicable. What do you propose—emigration to Mars or floating islands in the oceans?" Both of these expedients had long ago been put forth by contestants in the Intelligencer.
"Journeys to other planets would not solve things, sir. Assuming the construction of a vessel—an assumption so far unwarranted, if I may say so, sir—it would accommodate but a fraction of the affected populations. As for floating islands, they would be no more immune to airborne seeds than stationary ones."
"So it was discovered long ago, Burlet."
"Quite so, sir. Then, if I may say so, protection must be afforded on the spot."