Joe Chessman said impatiently, "Man adapts to circumstances, Gunther.
The wars have lost us a lot of men. Women are consequently in a surplus.
If the population curve is to continue upward, it's necessary that a man
serve more than one woman. Polygamy is the obvious answer."
Gunther cleared his throat smoothly, "So a man in Barry's position will
have as many as eight wives, eh? You must have lost a _good many_ men."
Watson grinned modestly. "Everybody doesn't have that many. It's
according to your ability to support them, and, also, rank has its
privileges. Besides, we figure it's a good idea to spread the best seed
around. By mixing our blood with the Texcocan we improve the breed."
Behind him, Taller, the Tulan boy, stirred, without notice.
* * * * *
Kennedy finished off his highball and began to build another
immediately. "Here we go again. The big potatoes coming to the top."