After a long while he asked bluntly, “Why should I become a participant in this? Perhaps he is the better man for her than you. Maybe matters are best left this way.”
“It’s his father’s money that’s blinded her! The family name is … well, no matter. But the father is one of the richest men in Barragash. I work hard— I’m well off, yes. But not in that class. I can compete with him and better him in everything except the matter of credit.”
Sawbill was adamant. “I will sell you nothing stronger. I gave you your maximum dosage. And that’s all you can have.”
The too-young man was desperate. “Then at least sell me the same, the same seven again. You owe me that.”
Sawbill grunted and wiped his hands on his pants. “It will cost you double this time.”
63
J
WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE . ..
“Yes, yes, anything—” He was like an eager puppy. “I promise—if this doesn’t do it I will give her up to him. I’ll move to another city. Perhaps to another planet. I might even go to Thalia Minor. Who knows? But in any case I will not trouble you again.”
On a high mast the pirn-bird was sobbing for the moon.
Sails furled, the little sloop sat on the water. Saw-bill had the mainsail ready and was preparing the spinnaker when the peaceforcers came for him.
The man on the dock was short and plump. He had a benignly optimistic face and scraggly brown hair that was fighting a rearguard action.
A green aircar waited at the far end of the dock. It had the oak tree symbol of the peaceforcer emblazoned on its side. Two uniformed men stood against it, chatting.