Halsey smiled grimly. "What he means, Haljan, is that things are not
always what they seem these days. One cannot always tell a friend from
an enemy. The _Planetara_ is a public vessel. You have--how many is
it, Carter?--thirty or forty passengers this trip tonight?"
"Thirty-eight," said Carter.
"There are thirty-eight people listed for the flight to Ferrok-Shahn
tonight," Halsey said slowly. "And some may not be what they seem." He
raised his thin dark hand. "We have information...." He paused. "I
confess, we know almost nothing--hardly more than enough to alarm us."
Captain Carter interjected, "I want you and Dean to be on your guard.
Once on the _Planetara_ it is difficult for us to talk openly, but be
watchful. I will arrange for us to be doubly armed."
Vague, perturbing words! Halsey said, "They tell me George Prince is
listed for the voyage. I am suggesting, Haljan, that you keep your eye
especially on him. Your duties on the _Planetara_ leave you
comparatively free, don't they?"
"Yes," I agreed. With the first and second officers on duty, and the
Captain aboard, my routine was more or less that of an understudy.