board next to the desk held a scattering of white slips announcing job openings. A clerk was pinning up new additions.

Venex scanned them with his eyes, stopping at one circled in red.

Robots needed in these categories. Apply at once to Chainjet, Ltd. , 1219 Broadway.

Jon rapped excitedly on Alec Diger’s neck. “Look there, a job in my own specialty⁠—I can get my old pay rate! See you back at the hotel tonight⁠—and good luck in your job hunting.”

Alec waved goodbye. “Let’s hope the job’s as good as you think, I never trust those things until I have my credits in my hand.”

Jon walked quickly from the employment exchange, his long legs eating up the blocks. Good old Alec, he didn’t believe in anything he couldn’t touch. Perhaps he was right, but why try to be unhappy. The world wasn’t too bad this morning⁠—his leg worked fine, prospects of a good job⁠—he hadn’t felt this cheerful since the day he was activated.

Turning the corner at a brisk pace he collided with a man coming from the opposite direction. Jon had stopped on the instant, but there wasn’t time to jump aside. The obese individual jarred against him and fell to the ground. From the height of elation to the depths of despair in an instant⁠—he had injured a human being !

He bent to help the man to his feet, but the other would have none of that. He evaded the friendly hand and screeched in a high-pitched voice.

“Officer, officer, police⁠ ⁠… Help! I’ve been attacked⁠—a mad robot⁠ ⁠… Help! ”

A crowd was gathering⁠—staying at a respectful distance⁠—but making an angry muttering noise. Jon stood motionless, his head reeling at the