Melilot never cared to have either his meals or the naps which followed theminterrupted. But there was something about Aye-Gophlan's behaviour which madeJarveena certain that this was an exceptional occasion.

She opened the door of Melilot's sanctum, announced the caller rapidly enough toforestall her employer's rage at being distracted from the immense broiledlobster lying before him on a silver platter, and wished there were some meansof eavesdropping on what transpired.

But he was infinitely too cautious to risk that.

At best Jarveena had hoped for a few coins by way of bonus if Aye-Gophlan'sbusiness proved profitable. She was much surprised, therefore, to be summoned toMelilot's room half an hour later.

Aye-Gophlan was still present. The lobster had grown cold, untouched, but muchwine had been consumed.

On her entrance, the officer gave her a suspicious glare.

'This is the fledgling you imagine could unravel the mystery?' he demanded.

Jarveena's heart sank. What devious subterfuge was Melilot up to now? But shewaited meekly for clear instructions. They came at once, in the fat man's highand slightly whining voice.

'The captain has a writing to decipher. Sensibly, he has brought it to us, whocan translate more foreign tongues than any similar firm! It is possible that itmay be in Yenized, with which you are familiar ... though, alas, I am not.'

Jarveena barely suppressed a giggle. If the document were in any known script orlanguage, Melilot would certainly recognize it - whether or not he could furnisha translation. That implied - hmm! A cipher! How interesting! How did anofficer of the guard come by a message in code he couldn't read? She lookedexpectant, though not eager, and with much reluctance Aye-Gophlan handed her