Commdor Asper  was a man of the  people, by self-acclamation. His remainingback-fringe of gray hair  drooped limply to his shoulders, his shirt neededlaundering, and he spoke with a snuffle.
"There is no ostentation  here, Trader Mallow," he said. "No false show. Inme,  you see  merely the first  citizen of  the state. That's  what Commdormeans, and that's the only title I have."He seemed inordinately pleased  with it all, "in fact, I consider that factone of the strongest bonds between Korell and your nation. I understand youpeople enjoy the republican blessings we do.""Exactly,  Commdor," said  Mallow gravely,  taking mental exception  to thecomparison, "an  argument which  I consider strongly in  favor of continuedpeace and friendship between our governments.""Peace! Ah!"  The Commdor's  sparse gray beard twitched  to the sentimentalgrimaces of  his face. "I don't think there is  anyone in the Periphery whohas so near  his heart the ideal of Peace, as I  have. I can truthfully saythat  since I  succeeded  my illustrious  father to  the leadership  of thestate, the  reign of Peace has  never been broken. Perhaps  I shouldn't sayit"  杊e  coughed  gently? "but I   have  been  told  that  my people,  myfellow-citizens   rather,   know    me   as   Asper,   the   Well-Beloved."Mallow's eyes wandered over  the well-kept garden. Perhaps the tall men andthe  strangely-designed  but   openly-vicious  weapons  they  carried  justhappened to be lurking  in odd comers as a precaution against himself. Thatwould be  understandable. But the lofty,  steel-girdered walls that circledthe  place had quite  obviously been  recently strengthened ? an unfittingoccupation for such a Well-Beloved Asper.
He said,  "It is fortunate that I have you to  deal with then, Commdor. Thedespots and  monarchs of  surrounding worlds, which haven't  the benefit ofenlightened  administration, often  lack  the qualities  that would  make aruler well-beloved.""Such as?" There was a cautious note in the Commdor's voice.
"Such  as a concern  for the best  interests of  their people, You,  on theother hand, would understand,"The Commdor kept his  eyes on the gravel path as they walked leisurely, Hishands caressed each other behind his back.
Mallow  went on  smoothly, "Up to  now, trade  between our two  nations hassuffered  because  of the  restrictions  placed  upon our  traders by  yourgovernment. Surely, it has  long been evident to you that unlimited trade?
"Free Trade!" mumbled the Commdor.
"Free Trade, then. You  must see that it would be of benefit to both of us.
There are  things you have that we want, and things  we have that you want.
It  asks only  an exchange  to bring  increased prosperity.  An enlightenedruler such as yourself,  a friend of the people ?I might  say, a member ofthe  people ? needs  no elaboration  on that  theme.  I won't  insult yourintelligence by offering any.""True! I  have seen  this. But what  would you?" His voice  was a plaintivewhine. "Your people have  always been so unreasonable. I am in favor of allthe trade  our economy  can support, but not  on your terms. I  am not solemaster here." His voice  rose, "I am only the servant of public opinion. Mypeople will not take commerce which carries with it a compulsory religion."Mallow drew himself up, "A compulsory religion?""So it  has always been in  effect. Surely you remember  the case of Askonetwenty years  ago. First  they were sold  some of your goods  and then yourpeople asked  for complete freedom  of missionary effort in  order that thegoods might  be run properly; that  Temples of Health be  set up. There wasthen  the establishment  of  religious schools;  autonomous rights  for allofficers of  the religion and with  what result? Askone is  now an integralmember  of the  Foundation's system  and the  Grand Master cannot  call hisunderwear his  own. Oh,  no! Oh, no!  The dignity of  an independent peoplecould never suffer it.""None  of what  you speak  is at  all what  I suggest,"  interposed Mallow.
"No?""No.  I'm a Master  Trader. Money is  my  religion. All this  mysticism andhocus-pocus  of the  missionaries  annoy me,  and  I'm glad  you refuse  tocountenance it. It makes you more my type of man."The Commdor's laugh was  high-pitched and jerky, "Well said! The Foundationshould have sent a man of your caliber before this."He laid  a friendly hand upon the trader's  bulking shoulder, "But man, youhave told me only half. You have told me what the catch is not. Now tell mewhat it is.""The  only catch,  Commdor, is  that you're  going to  be burdened  with animmense quantity of riches.""Indeed?" he snuffled. "But what could I want with riches? The true wealthis the love of one's people. I have that.""You can  have both,  for it is possible  to gather gold with  one hand andlove with the other.""Now that,  my young  man, would be  an interesting phenomenon,  if it werepossible. How would you go about it?""Oh, in a number of ways. The difficulty is choosing among them. Let's see.
Well,   luxury    items,   for   instance.   This    object   here,   now?
Mallow drew gently out  of an inner pocket a flat, linked chain of polishedmetal. "This, for instance.""What is it?""That's got to be  demonstrated. Can you get a woman? Any young female willdo. And a mirror, full length.""Hm-mmm. Let's get indoors, then."The  Commdor  referred to  his  dwelling  place as  a  house. The  populaceundoubtedly would  call it  a palace. To Mallow's  straightfo............