Thurwinker hesitated, trying to phrase the proper answer in Goma's language. "This land not good," he said, pointing to the crater. Then turning, "this land, good. We want good land."
"You cannot have land," Goma replied with classic simplicity.
"I gave you many things for bad land," Thurwinker answered. "I will give you more for good land."
"I not want things," Goma stated. "I keep land."
Thurwinker reverted to English. "My stars! How does the government expect me to bargain with creatures like this! Sometimes I think I was better off in the office. Yes indeed, much better off."
Goma regarded him with an unwinking stare. "You make noise like infant."
Thurwinker's lips compressed a little. "You give us land. We make you Big Chief. Chief of all you see."
"I am now Chief of all I see," Goma said.
Thurwinker made several more suggestions without any sign of success.
Goma stood up. "I go now," he announced.