But Cassidy clamped a hand over her mouth.
The thing reached the guest house and made a queer noise in front of the door.
Papa came outside on the double.
The spider-octopus picked up the other end of the thong and clamped its braceletlike device around the old man's wrist.
Grinning, Papa pulled toward the gate, straining at the leash.
Eventually, Cassidy was aware of Riva's smiling, inquisitive face in front of his.
"Play?" she invited.
And, glancing back at the charred remains of his ship, he didn't see why not.