The little man, shaking violently, got to his knees, then to his feet. "Now Captain, I want you to understand I didn't come here to threaten you. I've got a business proposition. Strictly business!" He drew a long breath and some of his confidence returned. "And, I may be able to do you some good." Brace glared at him, then turned to Barrows. "Check on the cargo!" he growled. Barrows nodded and started in the direction of the Captain's cabin. "Come on!" Brace grunted when Barrows was out of sight. He led the thin-faced man forward to the tiny chart room, let him in, then closed the door. "All right, what have you got to say?" "Well--ah--first of all, Captain, I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Gartland. I'm a trader." Brace studied him. "I've heard of you." "Well, in that case, you know I'm an honest man--always seeking good business--both for a little profit and--to give others a helping hand." "Get to the point!" Brace snapped. Gartland's face lost its smile and became hard. His eyes gleamed brightly and Brace half expected him to hiss like a snake. "I--I--came to discuss your cargo. Now, you realize that it's a dead loss to you. In fact, it will be hard to get off your hands." Gartland waited, but Brace didn't speak, didn't move. "I'll be frank with you," Gartland continued. "I had my eye on that item and you--sort of beat me to it. Actually though, you've taken a lot of risk, gone to a lot of work, and that's something I'm willing to pay for." * * * * * Brace still studied him, meditating. Out here, he knew there were places where a woman, almost any woman would bring a fair price, if you dealt in that sort of thing. "You see, you'll be saving yourself a lot of trouble--and me too." Gartland hesitated, eyeing Brace. "The price is a hundred units." Brace sniffed. "Or shall we say a hundred fifty units. That's the most I can go. And you realize, of course, that I'm throwing in a certain amount of protection. Besides, what else can you do with the--ah--cargo?" Gartland waited for an answer, then shrugging, he rose. "My men may be getting a little nervous, Captain." He looked at Brace again, speculatively. "Think it over. I'll have one of my ships contact you in space." Gartland paused and pulled a small notebook from his pocket. Taking an elaborate stylus, he scribbled a note on it. "Just give this to the man who contacts you and he'll take care of everything." Brace took it and motioned toward the companionway. He had no intention of admitting anything. Gartland turned and walked ahead. Silently, they entered the port and the inner door swung closed.