Free Oracle by Mike Resnick

small man. “Have you seen him?"
    "We ask the questions down here, friend,” said the small man. “This is our domain, and there's a fee for trespassing. How much money have you got with you?"
    "I don't pay tributes,” said Chandler. “But I do pay for information. I'll pay five thousand credits to whichever one of you will lead me to the Blue Devil."
    "Five thousand credits,” said the small man, his face lighting up. “That's a lot of money to be carrying around with you, friend."
    "Too much,” said one of his companions.
    "'Way too much,” agreed another. “A man carries that much money, he's just begging to be robbed.” He paused and leered. “I think we're going to have to teach you a little object lesson about carrying so much money around with you."
    "You're making a mistake,” said Chandler ominously.
    The small man trained his laser rifle on Chandler. “We've talked enough, friend. Drop your pistol or I cook you right now."
    The four men fanned out, and Chandler, with a shrug, dropped his sonic pistol to the floor, where it landed with a noisy clatter.
    "Glad to see you've decided to use your brain, friend,” said the small man. “Now, it just so happens that the toll for walking to the next exit is exactly five thousand credits—unless you happen to be carrying a lot more."
    "And if I am?"
    "Then we'd be very insulted that you thought you could buy us so cheaply."
    "And when we get insulted, we get greedy,” said one of the other men.
    The small man grinned and nodded his head. “And nasty."
    "So I hope you only have five thousand credits,” said a third man, approaching him. “You wouldn't like us when we're nasty."
    "I don't like you much right now,” said Chandler.
    "That's going to cost you another thousand, friend,” said the small man. “Or if you haven't got it, we'll take it out in trade."
    "Now just hold still,” said the third man, stopping in front of Chandler and reaching for his tunic pocket. “Or this is going to hurt you a lot more than it hurts me."
    "I doubt it,” said Chandler. He flexed his wrist and the concealed projectile weapon slid into his hand. He fired point-blank into the man's chest, then used him as a shield while he sprayed the chamber with bullets.
    Two seconds later he was the only man standing. Three of his antagonists lay absolutely still, and the small man was writhing in agony, clutching his belly in a futile effort to staunch the flow of blood.
    "You in the tunnel,” said Chandler. “Come out with your hands up."
    He heard footsteps running away from him, quickly stepped to the entrance to the tunnel, and fired twice. The sounds of the explosion was deafening, but as they faded he was able to hear the weak, rasping moans of the man he had shot.
    He quickly walked to the small man and appropriated his laser rifle.
    "Help me!” hissed the man.
    "The way you helped me?” asked Chandler caustically.
    "I'm dying, damn it!"
    "You're probably good for another hour or so,” said Chandler. “Tell me where I can find the Blue Devil and I'll send help for you."
    "You go to hell!"
    "Warm up a seat for me,” said Chandler, straightening up and heading off into the left-hand tunnel.
    "Wait!” cried the small man weakly.
    Chandler turned but did not approach him. “Is there something you want to tell me?"
    "A Blue Devil entered the tunnels about five minutes ahead of you."
    "Where can I find him?"
    "Help me first!"
    Chandler shook his head. “By the time I get you to a doctor, he'll be long gone. Tell me where he is, and if I get done with my business in time, I'll contact the nearest medics and tell them where to find you."
    "They won't come down here."
    "That's your problem. Mine is finding the Blue Devil."
    "You'll never find him without me."
    "I'll never find him if I waste any more time with you,” said Chandler.
    "I'll make a deal!” gasped the man. “Get me to a doctor and I'll help you find him."
    "He'll be back on Hades before you can get to a