He laughed, and clapped Stark on the shoulder. "Ah, yes. You will be happy in Shuruun!"
It seemed to Stark that he caught an echo of laughter from the unseen crew, as though they listened and found a hidden jest in Malthor's words.
Stark said, "That's fine."
"Perhaps," said Malthor, "you would like to lodge with me. I could make you a good price."
He had made a good price for Stark's passage from up the coast. An exorbitantly good one.
Stark said, "No."
"You don't have to be afraid," said the Venusian, in a confidential tone. "The strangers who come to Shuruun all have the same reason. It's a good place to hide. We're out of everybody's reach."
He paused, but Stark did not rise to his bait. Presently he chuckled and went on, "In fact, it's such a safe place that most of the strangers decide to stay on. Now, at my house, I could give you...."
Stark said again, flatly, "No."
The captain shrugged. "Very well. Think it over, anyway." He peered ahead into the red, coiling mists. "Ah! See there?" He pointed, and Stark made out the shadowy loom of cliffs. "We are coming into the strait now."