He said, "How much does the freight cost?"
Broderick told him.
"It may seem high," said the Earthman, "but remember that Earth is sixty-odd light-years away. After all, we are absorbing the cost of the merchandise. All you pay is the freight, which is cheap, considering the cost of operating an interstellar spaceship."
"Impossible," said Zotul drably. "Not I and all my brothers together have so much money any more."
"You don't know us of Earth very well yet, but you will. I offer you credit!"
"What is that?" asked Zotul skeptically.
"It is how the poor are enabled to enjoy all the luxuries of the rich," said Broderick, and went on to give a thumbnail sketch of the involutions and devolutions of credit, leaving out some angles that might have had a discouraging effect.
On a world where credit was a totally new concept, it was enchanting. Zotul grasped at the glittering promise with avidity. "What must I do to get credit?"
"Just sign this paper," said Broderick, "and you become part of our Easy Payment Plan."
Zotul drew back. "I have five brothers. If I took all these things for myself and nothing for them, they would beat me black and blue."