"That's a bit different than on Earth," he said. "We have always held that competition makes for the best results." I had become quite interested in the discussion, and found myself giving a rather lengthy explanation of that part of our society's functioning. "Competition is very real here, even though it is less tangible than yours. The fact that a producer of a product or service may be displaced by anyone demonstrating a better or more efficient product or method, acts as a spur to best efforts. The price is set by the state, with the prices of competing bidders in mind. Under our system time and energy is not wasted making inferior goods, or those already in adequate supply. The purchasers, also, are never exposed to an inferior article." I was becoming quite drowsy by this time and left after I'd answered a few more of his questions. I felt affection toward the Earthling. He was direct and honest. Beneath his placid manner he had a pride as fierce as any Zade. Tomorrow would be the crucial day for him. * * * * * Late the next afternoon I bought a packet of food and brought it to the outworlder's room. "Did you have trouble with a Zade named Ctvar?" I asked him, immediately on entering. "Yes, I did," he answered. "Why?" "His clansmen have been pouring into the city all day. I just learned that they are looking for you." His eyes widened slightly. "Isn't Ctvar able to handle his own trouble?" "Ctvar is dead." He seemed unable at first to find the words to speak. At last he said, "It happened in a fight that he started. Why should they seek revenge?" "They would be poor clan brothers if they did not avenge him," I answered. "Won't your sentinels do anything to stop them?" he asked. "They won't help you," I answered. "You make no contribution to the state that would entitle you to their protection." "Don't you have laws against this sort of thing?" "An undetermined number of persons wish you dead. You, and perhaps I, want you to live. The majority is against us." "But I'm at least entitled to a trial." I puzzled over his meaning of the word, but could find no sure answer. "I don't know what the purpose of a trial would be," I said. "But it could change nothing. You have the ill will of many citizens." He stared at the floor without any further questions. Against the strong logic of my reasoning I felt a strong empathy toward him. He had conducted himself well on this world that must seem very strange to him. I offered what consolation I could. "There is this possibility," I said. "A majority is not always reckoned by numbers. If you can collect superior strength to your side--either by getting others to help you, or by your own ingenuity--and whip Ctvar's clan, the law will do nothing to punish you. You may even kill them with impunity, except for the revenge of the other clansmen." "That's a small hope."