protested_

violence.”
“Stop!” Magnan yelled. “Are you out of your mind?”
“Inzult to Overseer caste briest cosd you two more gredits. For you I mage special brice, three for five—”
“Bribery?” Magnan gasped. “Corruption?”
“Three it is,” the Hoogan nodded. “How apout you?” he turned to Retief. “You sport like other Terry?”
“Look here, I’m paying you nothing!” Magnan barked. “Just assist this unfortunate chap out of here, if you please, and we’ll get on with our dressing!”
“Small religious contributions fine old Hoogan gustom!” the Overseer protested. “You want to fiolate local tapoos?”
“We Terrans have a few customs of our own,” Retief put in smoothly. “We feel that graft should only be paid voluntarily.” He offered a note which the officer palmed deftly. The guard was on his feet now, swaying; the captain barked an order; his subordinate gathered up the spear fragments, shot Magnan a poisonous look and departed, followed by the captain.
Retief closed the door behind the departing visitors, fished out the scrap of paper dropped by the fleeing Spism, opened it out:

BY THE OGRE FOUNTAIN AT SECOND