 Why do Harvey and Joe change thier plan when confronting Johnson about the water?
GRIFTERS' ASTEROID By H. L. GOLD Harvey and Joe were the slickest con-men ever to gyp a space-lane sucker. [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Planet Stories May 1943. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] Characteristically, Harvey Ellsworth tried to maintain his dignity, though his parched tongue was almost hanging out. But Joe Mallon, with no dignity to maintain, lurched across the rubbish-strewn patch of land that had been termed a spaceport. When Harvey staggered pontifically into the battered metalloy saloon—the only one on Planetoid 42—his tall, gangling partner was already stumbling out, mouthing something incoherent. Joe reeled aside, and Harvey saw what had upset his partner. In their hectic voyages from planet to planet, the pair of panacea purveyors had encountered the usual strange life-forms. Paying no attention to them, it was carrying a case of liquor in two hands, six siphons in two others, and a broom and dustpan in the remaining pair. Through thirst-cracked lips he rasped: "Water—quick!" The interplanetary con-men drank noisily, asked for more, until they had drunk eight glasses. Meanwhile, the bartender had taken out eight jiggers and filled them with whiskey. Harvey and Joe were breathing hard from having gulped the water so fast, but they were beginning to revive. "We purvey that renowned Martian remedy, La-anago Yergis , the formula for which was recently discovered by ourselves in the ancient ruined city of La-anago. Medical science is unanimous in proclaiming this magic medicine the sole panacea in the entire history of therapeutics." "Yeah?" said the bartender disinterestedly, polishing the chaser glasses without washing them. "Out of Mars for Ganymede. Our condenser broke down, and we've gone without water for five ghastly days." He came near starving and moved on to Titan. "Then where's the water lead-in?
 Joseph's son is large and intimidating, and they want to avoid a fight.
 Joe suddenly feels unwell, and Harvey needs to help him.  They want to buy Genius, and don't want there to be bad blood.  Joseph's son is large and intimidating, and they want to avoid a fight.  They don't think they could take Joseph in a fight.