Yes, Earth may be a sort of fenced-off area, so far as other intelligent races of the galaxy are concerned. But not for the grandiose reasons that some have imagined....
n to the television set, which was still presenting its hysterical vaudeville. "Great-uncle's gills!" he exclaimed, and lapsed into a fascinated silence. He studied the proceedings carefully, holding the arms-crossed pose again. Finally he turned to Ray.
"Weren't you saying something about civilization a while ago, finless?" he asked. His voice was sneering.
Ray frowned, and said something about mass-appeal. "Pay no attention to that," he continued. "Just listen to me. I'll tell you about our civilization, and our science, and...."
His voice broke off as if he had been struck in the face. In a way, he had; Garf had deliberately turned his back on the old fellow. The Judge's bloodshot little eyes darted about as if he wanted to pick up something heavy and hit Garf on the crest with it.
John Andrew's brain had finally resumed normal operations; he was thinking slowly, but clearly. He examined the evidence with care. He decided that Garf's superior attitude and power
