"But it would have to be kept very secret." "Gee!" Myrna's eyes widened. "A real secret treaty; just like the wicked rulers of the old dictatorship!" She hugged her subject ecstatically. "I'll bet Grandpa doesn't even have any secret treaties!" In a few days, everybody on Marduk knew that a treaty with Tanith was being discussed.

"But I have only one maid!" protested Mrs. Ranny. "What of that?" said Quin. "Myrna's used to working at home; she'd be glad to help you." "If it was anybody on earth but the Martels," Mr. Ranny objected, with contracted brow. "The families have been at daggers' points for years. Why, the very name of Martel makes mother see red." "Well, the children aren't responsible for that!"