"The menshars from Earth," he said without alarm. "Is there something you wish?"
"We would like you to come with us to our house for a while," Eckert started in.
Nayova looked puzzled. "I do not understand. Would not tomorrow do as well?"
"I'm afraid it'll have to be tonight."
Nayova was obviously not quite sure of their threat.
"No, I...."
Eckert caught him before he touched the ground. Templin took the rag off the butt of the needle gun, lifted the ruler's feet, and they disappeared into the brush along the lane.
They would have to sneak back to the house, Eckert knew, and hope that nobody saw them lugging the unconscious native. He laughed a little grimly to himself. Templin had expected cloak-and-dagger. It looked as if he was going to get more than his share of it, after all.
Once inside the house, Eckert arranged the electrodes and the small nerve probes on Nayova, who had come to.
"I am sorry," Eckert said formally, "but we find this necessary. You understand that we have to find out all we can about Pendleton. We have no choice."