“I thought Goldenrod belonged to a bunch of corporations that own all the property.”

“Well, legally it does. But they’re all headquartered on Deluros and Earth and the Canphor Twins, and as long as the farms continue showing a profit they don’t much care what goes on here. Besides, when you make an unofficial arrangement to let someone like the Swagman stay on your world, you expect something in return.”

“So they give him sanctuary here, and in exchange he sees to it that nobody tries to hijack their goods or short-change their representatives. Is that it?” asked Virtue.

“Something like that,” said the man. “I don’t know the exact arrangement, but I’m sure you’re pretty close to it.”

“Fine,” said Virtue. “Then let’s get word to him that I want to see him, and get him to extend his protection to me.”

“I thought you understood the situation,” said the man irritably. “I guess you don’t.”

“What am I missing?”

“The hit men couldn’t have accepted the commission without the Swagman’s approval. That’s the way things work here.”

“I’ve never even met him,” said Virtue. “What has he got against me?”

“Probably nothing. He’s a very friendly man, actually. But the killers will pay him a commission in order to operate here, and it’s not unfair to say that he likes money even more than he likes people.”

“Then I’d better find him before they find me.”

“You don’t even know who they are,” replied the man. “They could be those three grubby-looking men standing together across the street”—he pointed out the window to a trio of armed men who were standing together a short distance away—”but they could also be three little old ladies who are out doing their shopping, or the bartenders down the block, or even some of the mechanics at the spaceport. If I were you, I’d get back to my ship as fast as I could and take off before anyone knew I was here.”

“I didn’t come all this way not to talk to the Swagman,” Virtue said firmly. “Where can I find him?”

The man shrugged.

“Damn it!” she snapped. “Are you going to help me or aren’t you?”

“I don’t know where to find him!” replied the man, exasperated. “I don’t even know if he’s on the planet right now. It’s not in his best professional interests to announce his comings and goings.”

“All right. If he is here, where will he be?”

“He’s got a place up in the hills—a real fortress—but you can’t get to it. He’s got security devices all the hell over—and I mean lethal devices.”

“How do I get in touch with him, then?”