load to carry.

He walked slowly down the road from the spaceport toward the
Co-operative where he had been staying. He had left Huntersville and
Copper a week ago, after he had seen his child. His child! The thought
of being a father was oddly dismaying. It distorted his sense of values.
But one thing was certain. He was returning to Kardon, and Copper was
not coming with him. She had a duty to their son--and he had a duty to
his contract with Alexander, to the Lani on Flora, and to Copper--and
none of these could be satisfied by further running. He had to return
and settle the account.

A tall man in a conservative yellow-and-black suit was waiting patiently
in front of his room. "My name is Richter," he said "--Art Richter. Are
you Dr. Jac Kennon?"

"I could deny it, but I won't," Kennon said.

"Thank you, Doctor. It was just a formality anyway. You see, I know
you by sight." He sighed. "One has to observe the formalities in this
business." He drew a long white envelope from his tunic and handed it to
Kennon. "Most of my subjects try to deny their identity," he said.

"It's a refreshing change to find an honest man." He bowed formally.
"I really thought this would be harder, considering the charges against
you." He bowed again and walked away.

"Now--what was that?" Kennon muttered as he opened the envelope. The
man Richter was undoubtedly a process server--but who had hired him?
He unfolded the sheet and scanned the charges--coercion, larceny,
livestock theft, and breach of contract. He shrugged. This was
Alexander's work. What was the man thinking of? It was insanity to
bring the Lani matter into open court. Hadn't Douglas told him what had
happened? Couldn't Alexander guess that he had fled with Copper for a
good reason--one that would stand up in court? Didn't he know about the
spacer? Or had Douglas turned on his cousin? The pup had so many hates
that it was possible. He was a natural troublemaker. Maybe Alexander
didn't know. Maybe he was working in the dark. Kennon scanned the sheet
quickly. Ah! here it was. Complaint--Mr. Alexander X. M. Alexander,
Skyline Tower 1024, Beta City!

Alexander! Here on Beta! Kennon opened the door of his room, went
straight to the phone beside the bed. He lifted the handset from its
cradle and dialed the operator. "Get me Huntersville THU 2-1408. I want
to speak to Dr. Brainard, Dr. Will Brainard. This is a priority
call--my name is Kennon. Dr. Jac Kennon D.V.M. I'm in t