The cheers were like a dam bursting. The shouts and applause went on for minutes, with the officials apparently uninterested in maintaining order. When the American who had clipped him came up, leading both of their mounts, Gustaf smiled and shook his hand firmly, causing the audience to roar once again.

The play finally resumed, as vigorous as ever. The English declined a penalty.

Hamilton had become so engrossed that he didn’t notice when Dan An Man came alongside, accompanied by a short, broad-faced woman and three elegantly featured androids. Dan finally took him by the elbow.

“Hamilton,” he said. “These people are from World Legal Services. It’s very important that they talk with you.”

Hamilton smiled. He had become used to meeting important people lately.

“Can’t it wait, Dan? We can talk after the game is over.”

The short human shook her head. She introduced herself as Ms. Ing. “I’m afraid that just won’t do, Mr. Smith. We have to talk to you now. Something is brewing that could lead to the first violent human-android confrontation since the Amalgamation!”

“What the hell do you mean, they’re not a tribe?” Hamilton shouted. The lounge they had appropriated had a large window overlooking the stadium. The cheers of the crowd could be heard through the glass.

Ing shrugged. “You will have to admit that the pattern that is developing is not the classic outgrowth that occurs when an urban tribe is discovered. Usually—”

“Yes, yes. Usually the tribe shrivels up and dies due to ridicule. This time, on the other hand, public interest has been very friendly to the Bath and Garter tribe. So what? I’m pleased that my discovery hasn’t caused them the discomfort I feared it would. Other than that, I see no faults in my sociological analysis!”

The woman frowned. “Have you any idea of the rate at which the Bath and Garter has been acquiring novice members, Mr. Hamilton?”