Read "First Lensman" by E.E. Smith online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
"So you didn't find anything on Nevia. " Roderick Kinnison got up, deposited the inch-long butt of his cigar in an ashtray, lit another, and prowled about the room; hands jammed deep into breeches pockets. "I'm surprised. Nerado struck me as being a B. T. O. I thought sure he'd qualify."
"So did I. " Samms' tone was glum. "He's Big Time, and an Operator; but not big enough, by far. I'm -- we're both -- finding out that Lensman material is _damned_ scarce stuff. There's none on Nevia, and no indication whatever that there ever will be any."