Guy shook his head in wonder. "I had been through the Martian idea of how to get information out of a reluctant man," he said slowly. "I know that their methods result in a terrible mindless state which to my own belief is worse than death itself. I know that as I lost consciousness, I prayed for death to come, even though I knew that they would not permit it."
"We found you that way. You know. And we brought you back to life. You owe us that."
"Indeed I do."
"Then for your life, we demand our life in return."
"I do not understand."
"Your life is yours. We ask that you say nothing of us—for we feel that we will die if we are found. At least, the integrity of Ertene is at stake. In any event, we will not be taken, you may as well know that. And when I say die, I mean that Ertene will not go on living in the way we want her to live. Therefore you will disclose nothing that will point our way to anyone."
"And you are willing that I should return to Terra with such an oath? What of my oath to Terra?"
"Do you feel that your presence on Ertene will benefit Terra in some small way?" asked Charalas.
"Now that you have given me the things we spoke of before, I do."
"Then," said Charalas, "consider this point. You may not return unless you swear to keep us secret. You may not give Terra the benefit of your knowledge unless you deprive them of Ertene. Is that clear?"