"I thank you for your welcome," I said, gathering my wits at last. "We
come as friends, from worlds not unlike your own. We are glad that you
meet us as friends."
"It was so ordered. _He_ ordered it so and Artur is His mouthpiece in
this day." The Strobian weighed every word carefully before he uttered
it speaking with a solemn gravity that was most impressive.
"Artur?" I questioned him. "That is your name?"
"That is my name," he said proudly. "It came from He Who Speaks who
gave it to my father many times removed."
There were many questions in my mind, but I could not be outdone in
courtesy by this kindly Strobian.
"I am John Hanson," I told him, "Commander of the Special Patrol
Service ship _Ertak_. This is Avery Hendricks, my third officer."
"Much of that," said Artur slowly, "I do not understand. But I am
greatly honored." He bowed again, first to me, and then to Hendricks,
who was staring at me in utter amazement. "You will come with us now,
to the Place?" Artur added.