"Please don't feel that way," she appealed. "Huntners are rather unusual people, I admit, but sometimes even we need help. I had to have Dimanche and I took it."
"At the risk of killing me."
Her amusement was strange; it held a sort of sadness. "I didn't hurt you. I couldn't. You were too cute, like a—well, the animal native to Kettikat that would be called a teddy bear on Earth. A cute, lovable teddy bear."
"Teddy bear," he repeated, really stung now. "Careful. This one may have claws."
"Long claws? Long enough to reach from here to Kettikat?" She was laughing, but it sounded thin and wistful.
Manche struck out at Cassal's unspoken command. The laughter was canceled.
"Now you've done it," said Dimanche. "She's out cold."
There was no reason for remorse; it was strange that he felt it. His throat was dry.
"So you, too, can communicate with me. Through Manche, of course. I built a wonderful instrument, didn't I?"