So now Darius had all the information, and was not reas -- sured. He understood perfectly how three of ten could fail to return, and three or four others would not attain their desire. But at least some did succeed. That left him hope.

"Suppose I go, and return without a woman?" he said. "Could I then go again, and perhaps that time find one?"

Pwer stared at him. "Go again? Few have been interested in that! Each time a person goes, he has about one chance in three of not returning. If you went twice, you would double your chance of that."

"But I would also double my chance of finding what I need," Darius pointed out.

"Perhaps. But you could not return to the same other Mode. There are too many of them, and our way is impre -- cise. Some few have tried to go again to the same one, but none we know of has succeeded."

None we know of. Because some did not return. "Could that mean that they liked it there, and stayed voluntarily?"

Pwer shrugged. "It could. But it does seem doubtful. It seems more likely that they found a wholly new situation, and could not survive it. Those who did return the second time reported that their experience was just as difficult as the first time."

"I want to do it," Darius said. "If I lose once, I may try again. If I lose twice, I may decide to do it the conventional way, and marry the chain of women."

Pwer sighed. "We are a free society. Your position and your need entitle you to take this foolish risk if you choose. Return tomorrow, and I will have the Chip prepared."

"My thanks to you," Darius said gratefully.

DARIUS got up, for he needed to urinate. The maiden had brought a pot and indicated that he should use it for such purpose. Her method of communication in this respect had been quaint: she had made a vulgar poop noise. He was not easy about this matter, but realized that it was best to oblige her desires. Surely she had reason to keep him out of sight; his limited experience here had suggested the merit of her case. So he remained confined, and did what was necessary. He used the pot and covered it.

He was hungry again, and hoped she would bring more of her strange food. He knew that she could not act with com -- plete freedom, because she was young and had to maintain the semblance of her normal life-style. She seemed to be resourceful, and she was certainly healthy. How could it be that she would either have minimal impact in her Mode, or soon die?

He thought of the night just past. He had expected to be alone. Evidently she had sneaked out to join him for a while, then stayed longer than intended. He was grateful for that; he had been cold, and her warm little body had been a great comfort.