Johnny's father reached out and touched him on the shoulder.
"You know what happened here today, don't you, Johnny?" he asked in a grave tone.
"Yes, sir," Johnny answered in a low, shamed voice. "The crop's been ruined, and those hunters stole our claws."
"That's right," his father said. "And I think you also understand that if it hadn't been for you, this needn't have happened."
"Yes, sir." The words were almost a whisper. Johnny felt the tears coming up into his eyes.
"You can understand, then, it's up to you and us to make amends to the colony."
"Yes, sir." Johnny's whisper was even lower.
"Well, son, I'm sorry to do this, but I have to. I know Baba has been your pet for a long time, but you are going to have to give him up. I've just given him back to the colony. Now, get him into the cage, so we can get this over with."
"But you'll kill him!" Johnny cried out. He reached down and swept the little bear into his arms.
"No, son, not right away," his father answered. "The rocket captain says the colony could make some money by showing him alive on Earth before they—put him to sleep."