"For instance, who do you know on Spaceman's Row that can give you a reference?"
Tom spoke up quickly without looking at Strong. "Suppose I told you I helped pull a job a couple of weeks ago that was worth a hundred thousand credits?" He settled back, casually glancing at Strong and receiving an imperceptible nod in return.
"A hundred thousand, eh?" said Pete with interest. "Not bad, not bad. What kind of a job was it?"
"Me and two other guys held up the Credit Exchange at the Solar Exposition at Venusport."
"Oh?" Pete was becoming extremely curious. "You in on the job too, Steve?"
Before Strong could answer, Tom spoke quickly. "No, I bought a half interest in Steve's ship with my share of the take." Strong could hardly keep from smiling, so easily was the young cadet's tale growing.
"Then who was in on this job with you?" persisted the scar-faced man. "You look pretty young to pull a big job like that."
Tom glanced around the room and then leaned over the table before whispering, "Gus Wallace and Luther Simms."
"What?" exclaimed Pete. "Gus Wallace? A guy about six feet tall and two hundred pounds? Has a heavy rough voice?"
"That's the one," said Tom.