（外文电子版资料）TWOKch01.docVIP

ONE IT WAS AROUND the hub of the evening on the planet of Porlumma when Captain Pausert, commercial traveler from the Republic of Nikkeldepain, met the first of the witches of Karres. It was just plain fate, so far as he could see. He was feeling pretty good as he left a highpriced bar on a cobbled street near the spaceport, with the intention of returning straight to his ship. There hadnt been an argument, exactly. But someone had grinned broadly, as usual, when the captain pronounced the name of his native system; and the captain had pointed out then, with considerable wit, how much more ridiculous it was to call a planet Porlumma, for instance, than to call it Nikkeldepain. He then proceeded to collect an increasing number of pained stares as he continued with a detailed comparison of the varied, interesting, and occasionally brilliant role Nikkeldepain had played in history with Porlummas obviously dull and dumpy status as a sixthrate Empire outpost. In conclusion, he admitted frankly that he wouldnt care to be found dead on Porlumma. Somebody muttered loudly in Imperial Universum that in that case it might be better if he didnt hang around Porlumma too long. But the captain only smiled politely, paid for his two drinks, and left. There was no point in getting into a rhubarb on one of these border planets. Their citizens still had an innocent notion that they ought to act like frontiersmen but then the Law always showed up at once. Yes, he felt pretty good. Up to the last four months of his young life, he had never looked on himself as being particularly patriotic. But compared to most of the Empires worlds, Nikkeldepain was downright attractive in its stuffy way. Besides, he was returning there solvent, would they ever be surprised! And awaiting him, fondly and eagerly, was Illyla, the Miss Onswud, fair daughter of the mighty Councilor Onswud, and the captains secretly betrothed for almost a year. She alone had believed in him.... The captain smiled and