Astounding Science Fiction, British Edition — page 103: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

~ MISSION OF GRAVITY Outer Ports. I am ordered to find out who you are and where you are from, and your purpose in sailing the seas about these islands.” ‘“‘We are on a trading journey, with no particular destination.”” Barlennan had no intention of talking about his connection with the creatures of another world. ““We did not know of the existence of these islands; we simply were heading away from the Rim, of which we had had enough. If you wish to trade with us we are willing to do business; if not, we ask only to be allowed to continue our journey.” “Our ships and gliders trade on these seas—we have never seen others,” replied Reejaaren. “I fail to understand one point. The trader far to the south from whom I learned your language said that he came from a country that lay on the farther side of a sea across the western continent. We know that there is no- sea passage from that ocean to this between here and the ice; yet you were sailing from the north when we first sighted you. That would suggest that you were quartering back and forth through these seas in deliberate search of land. How does that square with your story? We do not like spies.” “We came from the north after crossing the land between this ocean and ours.” Barlennan had no time to think up a convincing lie, though he realized that the truth was likely to be unbelievable. Reejaaren’s ex- pression showed that he was right. “Your ship was obviously built with large tools, which you do not have. That means a shipyard, and there is none to the north on this ocean. Do you want me to believe you took her apart and dragged her across that much land?” “Yes.” Batlennan felt that he saw his way out. “How?” 101 ““How do you fly? Some would find that much harder to believe.” The question was not quite as good a one as Barlennan had hoped, judging by the interpreter’s reaction. “I am sure you do not expect me to tell you that. Mere trespassers we may tolerate ; but spies receive much harder treatment.” The captain covered up as well as he could. “I did not expect you to tell me. I was simply pointing out as tactfully as possible that perhaps you should not have asked me how we crossed the land barrier.” “Oh, but I should—and must. You do not yet seem to realize your posi- tion, Stranger. What you think of me is unimportant; but what I think of you counts a great deal. To put it simply, to leave here as you desire you will have to convince me that you are harmless.” “But what harm could we do you— the crew of a single ship? Why should you fear us so?” “We do not fear you!” The answer was sharp and emphatic. ““The damage you could do is obvious—one person, let alone a shipload, could~ take away information which we do not wish to give. We realize, of course, that the barbarians could not learn the secret of flight unless it were very carefully explained to them; that is why I laughed at your question. Still, you should be more careful.” Barlennan had not heard any laugh- ter, and began to suspect a good deal about the interpreter and his people. For some reason they were unusually afraid of other races and nations; the contempt expressed by Reejaaren’s word “barbarians” was not usual and hardly defensible. Whether he actually regarded Barlennan as his inferior in culture and knowledge was hard to tell; but the captain was practical psychologist enough not to connicloooks COL