medical staff to determine if our two worlds are biologically compatible." She gave Joe a shy smile as she said: "I'm personally hoping that Verna and Earth are compatible in every way." Joe seconded that motion since he felt that he was falling in love with Rhena, who continued her previous discussion. "It was decided that the first Earthman who was captured would be given a test. If he passed it, the possible exchange between worlds would be given further consideration, if not, the iso- lationist plan would be followed. The animal that you freed is repulsive even to the people of Verna, so your sense of compassion proved that there is much to be gained by an exchange between our two world."

They talked for quite a while and the more that Joe learned about Verna and about Rhena, the more idyllic this new planet became. It was nearly time for him to visit the doctors but he still had a few ques- tions to ask. He inquired of Rhena if she was familiar with the word love; and her blush was enough of an answer for Joe. At the medical department he learned both that Rhena was not yet married and that the needles of Verna were not much different or less painful than were those of earth.

Later in his apartment, Joe did a lot of thinking. He thought of the unending wars that had plagued the Earth since the dawn of history. He considered the high incidence of crime, the continual bickering between nations and the many ways that life on Earth would be im- proved by contact with Verna. Finally, he reached a decision that was certainly the most important that he had ever had to make in his life. He was about to retire when the light flashed on his videophone. He activated the screen and was very pleased to see that the caller was Rhena. She looked radiant as she said, "I've just been down to the medical department and you will be pleased to learn that the people of Verna and Earth are definitely compatible. Good night Jo.” Before he could say anything she closed the circuit and the screen faded. A glance at the clock indicated that it was very late and he noted that Rhena had been interested enough to check with the medical depart- ment at this time of the night. Joe was happier than he had ever been before as he went to bed when suddenly he thought of the effect that contact with Earth might have on the people of Verna. A few minutes of thought provided a solution to the dilemma and he relaxed and went to sleep.

When Rhena arrived the next morning Joe announced that he had a statement to make. “I realize," he said, that your leaders will not force me to reveal the location of my planet; but it is also true that it could

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