“The man I was hunting went there,” replied Cain calmly. “No disrespect intended, but I wasn’t going to let four months’ work go down the drain just because you think you own the deed to an entire solar system.”

“I opened that system,” said Giles Sans Pitié. “Named every planet in it.” He paused. “Still, it’s an acceptable answer. I forgive you your trespass.”

“I don’t recall asking for absolution,” said Cain.

“Just the same, it’s freely given. This time,” he added ominously. “But it would be a good idea for you to remember that there are rules out here on the Frontier.”

“Oh? I hadn’t noticed any.”

“Nevertheless, they exist—and they’re made by the people who can enforce them.”

“I’ll keep it in mind.”

“See that you do.”

“Or you’ll brain me with your metal hand?” asked Cain.

“It’s a possibility.”

Cain smiled.

“What’s so funny?” demanded Giles Sans Pitié.

“You’re a bounty hunter.”

“So?”

“Bounty hunters don’t kill people for free. Who’s going to pay you to kill me?”

“I’ve got to protect what’s mine,” replied Giles Sans Pitié seriously. “I just want to be sure that we understand each other: if you go poaching on my territory again, we’re going to come to blows.” He slammed his metal hand down on the table, putting a large dent in it. “Mine are usually harder.”

“I imagine they are,” said Cain.

“Then you’ll steer clear of Praeteep?”

“I’m not aware of any pressing business engagements there.”

“That’s not exactly the answer I was looking for.”

“I’d suggest you settle for it,” said Cain. “It’s the best you’re going to get.”

Giles Sans Pitié stared at him for a moment, then shrugged. “It could be years before anyone hides there again, maybe even longer. I suppose there’s no law that says we can’t behave cordially in the meantime.”

“I’m all for living in peace with my fellow man,” said Cain agreeably.

Giles Sans Pitié looked amused. “You picked a mighty strange profession for a man who feels that way.”

“Perhaps.”

“Well, shall we talk?”

“What about?”

“What about?” repeated Giles Sans Pitié mockingly. “What do two bounty hunters ever talk about when they meet over a bottle of rum?”

And so they fell to discussing Santiago.