The Status Civilization

When he returned to his shop, he found Joe waiting for him. The little credit thief had a sour look on his face. He said, "I saw your fancy gun-work today. Very pretty." "Thank you," Barrent said. "Do you think that sort of thing will help you? Do you think you can just go on breaking the law?" "I'm getting away with it," Barrent said. "Sure. But how long do you think you can keep it up?" "As long as I have to." "Not a chance," Joe said. "Nobody keeps on breaking the law and getting away with it. Only suckers believe that." "They'd better send some good men after me," Barrent said, reloading his needlebeam. "That's not how it'll happen," Joe said. "Believe me, Will, there's no counting the ways they have of getting you. Once the law decides to move, there'll be nothing you can do to stop it. And don't expect any help from that girl friend of yours, either." "Do you know her?" Barrent asked. "I know everybody," Joe said moodily. "I've got friends in the government. I know that people have had about enough of you. Listen to me, Will. Do you want to end up dead?" Barrent shook his head. "Joe, can you visit Moera? Do you know how to reach her?" "Maybe," Joe said. "What for?" "I want you to tell her something," Barrent said. "I want you to tell her that I didn't commit the murder I was accused of on Earth."