Valli was intelligent. She grasped at once what he wanted.

«There is much loose talk in the harem,» she said. «The women talk to kill time and ward off boredom. But most of such talk would be worthless to your purpose, Blade. Rumors and gossip. How can they help?»

He acknowledged this but pointed out that it was worth wading through a pound of chaff to gain a Brain of truth. You never knew. His own experience in MI6, back in Home Dimension, had taught him that.

Blade donned a robe and came back to the bed. Valli had slipped back into her red underpants. «I am sure,» said Blade, «that your harem women have more to do with men than is generally known or admitted. This is bound to be so, Valli, and you need not be afraid to admit it. You will not be getting your friends in trouble. I wish this information for my own use only. I do not care a damn what harem women do or do not do. Their business is their own. And the Izmir will never hear anything from me.»

Valli smiled. «I am glad to hear that, Blade. I would betray my friends for you, I would do anything for you, but I am happy that it is not required. It is true that there is much intrigue in the harem-if the Izmir knew of it, many heads would be struck off. There are ways in which the women smuggle men in-guards and officers and even priests. There are even ways, and times, when the women leave the harem and spend nights with their lovers. Most of the guards are corrupt and can be bribed to make a false count. But I do not see-«

«You do not have to see,» said Blade. «Just do as I ask. You will form a little secret society, not more than five or six of your trusted friends, and they will listen and report to you and you will report to me. I will send for you when I am ready, and if anything of great importance arises you can reach me through Ogier. All this is understood, Valli?»