In two days Joranum had swept Trantor, partly by himself, mostly through his lieutenants¹. As Hari muttered to Dors, it was a campaign that had all the marks of military efficiency. "He was born to be a war admiral in the old days," he said. "He's wasted on politics."
    And Dors said, "Wasted? At this rate, he's going to make himself First Minister in a week and, if he wishes, Emperor in two weeks. There are reports that some of the military garrisons² are cheering him."
    Seldon shook his head. "It will collapse³, Dors."
    "What? Joranum's party or the Empire?"
    "Joranum's party. The story of the robot has created an instant stir, especially with the effective use of that flier, but a little thought, a little coolness, and the public will see it for the ridiculous accusation⁴ it is."
    "But, Hari," said Dors tightly, "you needn't pretend with me. It is not a ridiculous story. How could Joranum possibly have found out that Demerzel is a robot?"
    "Oh, that.' Why, Raych told him so."
    "Raych!"
    "That's right. He did his job perfectly⁵ and got back safely with the promise of being made Dahl's sector⁶ leader someday. Of course he was believed. I knew he would be."
    "You mean you told Raych that Demerzel was a robot and had him pass on the news to Joranum?" Dors looked utterly⁷ horrified⁸.
    "No, I couldn't do that. You know I couldn't tell Raych-or anyone-that Demerzel was a robot. I told Raych as firmly as I could that Demerzel was not a robot-and even that much was difficult. But I did ask him to tell Joranum that he was. He is under the firm impression that he lied to Joranum."

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