Shining eyes, shining teeth, cheek-bones shining with sweat. Frightened, suffering men, watching another man fear and suffer, and being glad about it.
Birek moved forward, slowly. His eyes held a pale glitter, like distant ice, and his lips smiled.
"I prayed," he said softly. "I was answered. You, new man! Get down on your belly."
Loris grinned at Birek, but there was no humor in his eyes. He had drawn a little away from MacVickers. He said carelessly:
"There's no time for that now, Birek. It's our shift. They'll be burning us if we don't go."
Birek repeated, "Down on your belly," not looking at Loris.
A vein began to throb on MacVickers' forehead. He looked slight, almost small against the Venusian's huge bulk.
He said quietly, "I'm not looking for trouble.
"Then get down."
"Sorry," said MacVickers. "Not today."