I exploded. "What do you mean, 'if we have it'! Our assets top thirty million." "You weren't in the pit this morning, Bart. The way Venus commodities are going, we'll be damn lucky to cover our commitments." "_That_ bad? Well, it's a good thing I'm leaving for Venus tonight." I paused. "All right, Charlie, then make me a personal loan." "I'd be glad to, Bart. But ... considering the circumstances, how can I be sure you'll come back from Venus?" Spacker was shrewd. "Don't be absurd, Charlie." I tried to make light of his bullseye. "If that bothers you, I'll give you two-for-one in government series R as collateral." Spacker shook his head. "If something should go wrong with this deal you've made, then the government will be able to reclaim them as forfeit. And I'll be out a hundred thousand." * * * * * I was swallowing the humiliation, frustrated with a rage that I had to conceal. I was furious at his lack of trust, and chagrined that he was so well justified. "All right, Charlie," I said cordially. "I'm a little hurt by your suspiciousness, but you have me at a disadvantage. I need the money. I suppose I could raise it some other way, but then that would delay my departure for Venus. And you know that our mutual welfare is tied up with the trip. "If so many things worry you about this personal transaction, let me put your mind at ease. I'll sign over my equity in the business as security for the loan. Is that good enough?" Charlie was now his best competitive self. "Look at it from my point of view, Bart. If you didn't return, the business would become all mine anyway. Isn't that right?" A bland look of innocence spread over his face, a mask concealing the saturnine smile. "Bart, I suggest you delay your trip for a day or so. Raise the money some other way." I held back long enough to believe my ears. Then I drew my gun. "You bastard!" "You can't force me to sign! I'd repudiate it by phone the minute you left!" "I'll kill you!" "That won't get you the money. You'll rot in the slave-mines of Mercury!" True. A feeling of fatalism swept over me like ocean surf. I opened Spacker's door and called out to the detectives: "If you gentlemen will step in here, we've just received word of Mr. Sponsor's whereabouts." Then I stepped back behind the door jamb, leveling the gun at Spacker. He knew I meant silence. He knew I would kill. The detectives entered. I jumped behind them. "Raise your hands!" They complied. "You too, Spacker. Now, the three of you turn your backs to me and walk to the wall. Keep those hands high!" I opened my briefcase with one hand, withdrew the sleep bomb, hurled it at their feet. The detectives knew what it was after one gasp, and tried to hold their breath. But one gasp is enough. They crumpled to the floor, unconscious. I closed Spacker's door and hung up the 'Do Not Disturb' sign.