"Is robbery a great problem? I have not had any bad experience with anyone wanting to rob or molest me," said Vuud.

"Crime—is not so much a problem as a way of life. Like everything of importance, it is a business. It controls a sizable chunk of our cash here."

"Why do marchans tolerate it, why don't the people work together to stop it?"

"Work together?" Davin repeated incredulously. "Why, that sounds like Government!No, we won't be having that. Anyway, usually ...