"Yes," Bates persisted, "but how do you _know_?"
"The Oracle told us so, of course. Now why don't you go in and find out
for yourselves? We'll wait out here. We don't have anything to ask him."
* * * * *
Bates and Farnum went into the building and found themselves in a
small, pleasant room furnished with comfortable chairs and sofas.
"Good morning," said a well-modulated voice. "I have been expecting
you."
"You are the Oracle?" asked Farnum, looking around curiously.
"The name that the people of this planet have given me translates most
accurately as 'Oracle'," said the voice.
"But are you actually an Oracle?"
"My principal function, insofar as human beings--that is, _Homo
sapiens_--are concerned, is to give accurate answers to all questions
propounded me. Therefore, insofar as humans are concerned, I am
actually an Oracle."
"Then you have another function?"
"My principal function, insofar as the race that made me is concerned,
is to act as a weapon."
"Oh," said Bates. "Then you are a machine?"
"I am a machine," agreed the voice.
"The people who brought us here said that you always tell them the
truth. I suppose that applies when you are acting as an Oracle, instead
of as a weapon?"
"On the contrary," said the voice blandly. "I function as a weapon by
telling the truth."
"That doesn't make sense," protested Bates.
The machine paused for a moment before replying. "This will take
a little time, gentlemen," it said, "but I am sure that I can
convince you. Why don't you sit down and be comfortable? If you want
refreshments, just ask for them."
"Might as well," said Bates, sitting down in an easy chair. "How about
giving us some Korite God-food?"
"If you really want that bad a brew of coffee, I can make it for you,
of course," said the voice, "but I am sure you would prefer some of
better quality."