What Shall It Profit?
BY POUL ANDERSON
"If you would build a tower, sit
down first and count the cost, to see
if you have enough to finish it." ...
The price may be much too high.
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Worlds of If Science Fiction, June 1956.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
"The chickens got out of the coop and flew away three hundred years ago," said Barwell. "Now they're coming home to roost."
He hiccoughed. His finger wobbled to the dial and clicked off another whisky. The machine pondered the matter and flashed an apologetic sign: Please deposit your money.
"Oh, damn," said Barwell. "I'm broke."
Radek shrugged and gave the slot a two-credit piece. It slid the whisky out on a tray with his change. He stuck the coins in his pouch and took another careful sip of beer.