"Sure enough?"
Cosmo sat up, put the reeds in his pocket. He was wearing only coat and trousers. The brown triangle of hair on his chest extended in a thin line down his flat belly. "How much did he nick that dealer in flesh for?"
"Nothing. They scared him off before he had a chance to take anything. Cosmo, why can't they catch him?"
"No one's seen him without his hood. They don't know who he is; they don't know where to look, or what to look for."
"On Earth ..." began Mia.
"On Earth there wouldn't be a Renegade," interrupted Cosmo dryly. "Earth is unified. It isn't split up into hundreds of independent countries like Venus. They don't have slavery or serfdom or the feudal system on Earth. Men aren't driven into outlawry...."
"Driven!" said Mia in a heated voice. "What makes you think he was driven? I'd say he was doing exactly as he pleased."
Cosmo stood up, towering over the girl, took several short paces across the patio.
"I don't think anyone would enjoy being constantly hunted. Everyman's hand against him. Always on guard against treachery, surprise. And no matter how careful he is, sooner or later he's bound to be caught. He can't even quit, now. I feel sorry for him."
"Feel sorry for him! I'd like to see him shot!"