"We are all Pud's creatures."
"What are the differences between you, then?"
"Why, the Qornt are argumentive, boastful, lacking in appreciation for the finer things of life. One dreads to contemplate descending to their level."
"Do you know anything about a Note passed to the Terrestrial Ambassador at Smorbrod?" Retief asked.
The beak twitched. "Smorbrod? I know of no place called Smorbrod."
"The outer planet of this system."
"Oh, yes. We call it Guzzum. I had heard that some sort of creatures had established a settlement there, but I confess I pay little note to such matters."
"We're wasting time, Retief," Magnan said. "We must truss these chaps up, hurry back to the boat and make our escape. You heard what they said."
"Are there any Qornt down there at the harbor, where the boats are?" Retief asked.