“Pretty little ship,” said the man on the dock.
“Yes, it is,” said Sawbill. “Used not to be. Is now.”
He was wrestling with the sail locker. The pirn-bird
fidgeted and bobbed on his shoulder. It moved to the
,top of his head, then dropped down to the shoulder
again, eying the short man.
“I’d like you to come with me for a bit, Sawbill. I’m Inspector Herrera.”
“Nice for you, I guess.”
“Usually it is, but not today.”
“I was just about to go out for a month or so. I’m trying to get away from people and civilization for a while. A vacation—you understand?”
Herrera nodded. “I do. Really, I do.” He seemed honestly sympathetic. “But I’d still like you to come with me.”
“If I decline?” Sawbill asked, straightening. “No doubt those gentlemen by your car will hurry down here with things short, metallic, and unesthetic. To persuade me?”
Herrera sighed. “No, Sawbill, they will not. You’ve probably heard before that we are very civilized, here
64
The Emoman
on Thalia Major. One of those men is a driver—and all he is going to do is drive. The other is a secretary.”
“And all he will do is sec?”
“Please don’t make light of this. It’s difficult enough for me as it is. I cannot compel you.”
“Meaning I’m not under arrest, right?”
“As you are well aware I have no grounds for an arrest. Wish I did. But I suspect you will come with me —out of curiosity if for no other reason. I will not delay you long—a moment or two out of your vacation is all I request.”
Sawbill hesitated. Then he tied down the sails and climbed down to the dock. He and Herrera started toward the aircar.