 How was Johnson convinced to buy the case astroid fever medication?
[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.] 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. 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. The interplanetary con-men drank noisily, asked for more, until they had drunk eight glasses. Medical science is unanimous in proclaiming this magic medicine the sole panacea in the entire history of therapeutics." Our condenser broke down, and we've gone without water for five ghastly days." He came near starving and moved on to Titan. It's bitter as some kinds of sin before it's purified. "Friend," said Harvey, taking out a wallet and counting off eight five-bucko bills, "here is your money. "And chief of police, no doubt," said Harvey jocosely. "About seventy-five liters, if we go on half rations," he answered. "On account of the quantity, I'm able to quote a bargain price. The planetoid man worked the pump while the mayor intently watched the crude level-gauge, crying "Stop!" when it registered the proper amount. Then Johnson rubbed his thumb on his index finger and wetted his lips expectantly. Johnson's response almost floored them. After giving them directions that would take them to the free-water pool, the ponderous factotum of Planetoid 42 shook hands and headed back to the saloon. "Johnson, as I saw instantly, is the victim of a difficult environment, and must charge accordingly." "Just the same," Joe griped, "paying for water isn't something you can get used to in ten minutes." In the fragile forest, they soon came across a stream that sprang from the igneous soil and splashed into the small pond whose contents, according to the mayor, was theirs for the asking. It was on the sixth trip that Joe caught a glimpse of Jupiter-shine on a bright surface off to the left. The figure, 750, with the bucko sign in front of it, was still doing acrobatics inside his skull and keeping a faint suspicion alive in him.
 Joe's acting skills
 Proven statistics showing that it was the best antidote  Joe's acting skills  He felt feverish and thought he may have contracted the illness  A price too good that could not be turned down