Transcriber's Notes
This etext was produced from Worlds of If November 1961.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S.copyright on this publication was renewed.
Obvious typesetting errors have been corrected.
GAMBLER'S
WORLD
By KEITH LAUMER
Illustrated by GAUGHAN
I
Retief paused before atall mirror to check the overlap of the four sets of lapels thatornamented the vermilion cutaway of a First Secretary and Consul.
"Come along, Retief," Magnan said. "The Ambassador has a word to sayto the staff before we go in."
"I hope he isn't going to change the spontaneous speech he plans tomake when the Potentate impulsively suggests a trade agreement along thelines they've been discussing for the last two months."
"Your derisive attitude is uncalled for, Retief," Magnan saidsharply. "I think you realize it's delayed your promotion in theCorps."
Retief took a last glance in the mirror. "I'm not sure I want apromotion," he said. "It would mean more lapels."
Ambassador Crodfoller pursed his lips, waiting until Retief andMagnan took places in the ring of Terrestrial diplomats around him.
"A word of caution only, gentlemen," he said. "Keep always foremostin your minds the necessity for our identification with the Nenni Caste.Even a hint of familiarity with lower echelons could mean the failure ofthe mission. Let us remember that the Nenni represent authority here onPetreac. Their traditions must be observed, whatever our personalpreferences. Let's go along now. The Potentate will be making hisentrance any moment."
Magnan came to Retief's side as they moved toward the salon.
"The Ambassador's remarks were addressed chiefly to you, Retief," hesaid. "Your laxness in these matters is notorious. Naturally, I believefirmly in democratic principles myself—"
"Have you ever had a feeling, Mr. Magnan, that there's a lot going onhere that we don't know about?"
Magnan nodded. "Quite so. Ambassador Crodfoller's point exactly.Matters which are not of concern to the Nenni are of no concern tous."
"Another feeling I get is that the Nenni aren't very bright. Nowsuppose—"
"I'm not given to suppositions, Retief. We're here to implement thepolicies of the Chief of Mission. And I should dislike to be in theshoes of a member of the staff whose conduct jeopardized the agreementthat will be concluded here tonight."
A bearer with a tray of drinks rounded a flutedcolumn, shied as he confronted the diplomats, fumbled the tray, grabbedand sent a glass crashing to the floor.
Magnan leaped back, slapping at the purple cloth of his pants leg.Retief's hand shot out to steady the tray. The servant rolled terrifiedeyes.
"I'll take one of these, now that you're here," Retief said. He tooka glass from the tray, winking at the servant.
"No harm done," he said. "Mr. Magnan's just warming up for the bigdance."
A Nenni major-domo bustled up, rubbing his hands politely.
"Some trouble here?" he said. "What happened, Honorables, what,what...."
"The blundering idiot," Magnan spluttered. "How dare—"
"You're quite an actor, Mr. Magnan," Retief said. "If I didn't knowabout your democratic principles, I'd think you were really mad."
The servant ducked his head and scuttled away.
"Has this fellow...." The major-domo eyed the retreating bearer.
"I dropped my glass," Retief said. "Mr. Magnan's upset because hehates to see liquor wasted."
Retief turned to find himself face-to-face with AmbassadorCrodfoller.
"I witnessed that," The Ambassador hissed. "By the goodness of