ed the last alley-corner and came in
sight of the Spacebell.

A shadow stirred with movement. A lithe, loosely draped figure hurried
to meet him. It was the girl--Songeen.

"Don't go in there," she said. "They know who you are, and the police
are waiting for you."

Newlin felt numb all over. "How did they know? Did you tell them?" he
snapped.

"Of course not. Don't be a fool. Would I inform, then wait to warn you?
I did not know he had automatic alarms, and automatic cameras to make
records of anyone who came into the--the place. It was the pictures.
They were identified with your ident-card at the Central Police Bureau.
And the robot-trackers are out."

* * * * *

Newlin and Songeen studied each other for a long moment of silence.

"I guess it doesn't matter now," Newlin said finally, "but I'm glad you
didn't turn me in. I might almost as well give up and get the thing over
with. There's no place to run. Not without money."

Songeen produced a small sack of platinum coins which jingled as she
offered it.

"That's one reason I tried to find you. After the alarms, I knew I would
only handicap your flight. I hid. Then I came here, because I thought
you might come back. I'm sorry I have no more money, but the rest is all
in credits. It would be no help to you in the wastelands."

"I see," muttered Newlin. "Why did you care? Were you afraid I'd talk if
the Police caught me?"

Songeen shrugged coldly. "No, I hadn't thought of that. But I think I
owe you something. Murderer's wages. I knew you couldn't fulfil your
bargain when you made it. But, in a way, I am responsible for you."

"In a way," agreed Newlin bitterly. He snatched at the bag of coins.
"This will do. Thanks for nothing."

"Don't blame me too much. I had no choice, and I did not know it would
work out like this."

"Perhaps not, but next time do your own killing. It's rough on both your
victims."

Songeen was crying, tearless wracking sobs that shook her frail body.

"I'm sorry," she moaned. "But I couldn't even get in to see him. He knew
the exact vibration level of my body, and had set supersonic traps to
kill me if I tried to enter. Even my bones would have shattered. I would
have died painfully and horribly. I would rather have died myself than
cause his death. Believe that. There is always a third victim. He was my
husband, and I loved him. You can't understand, of course--"

"I understand less than ever no