"We have been told you approached our city from the south. Is this true, Earthman? Whence came you, and what is your name?"
"I am called Steve. Steve of—er—M.I.T.[6] And it is true we came from the south," equivocated Duane. "We came from the territory of Loovil."
Loala frowned daintily. "I know not this village of Emmeity, but we shall send a corps to conquer and subdue it," she said. "So you came from Loovil? With permission of the Daan commander there, I presume? You have your travel certificate?"
This was something Steve had not expected. But there was no sense in pyramiding falsehoods until he had constructed a fabric which might destroy them all. He put a bold face on the matter.
"We have not, O Daughter of the Dawn Star," he said. "We left Loovil secretly because we were not happy under the treatment of the local rulers."
A gasp of outrage shuddered through his listeners. The Daan at Loala's left scowled, spoke harshly. "Loala, we have heard enough. They stand self-convicted of rebellion. Destroy them!"
But the Daan at the Overlord's right advised gently, "Wait! The human is honest, even though guilty. Let us hear him through."
Steve glanced at their befriender swiftly. Never had he expected to hear such words from a Venusian. But this one was a rather decent looking chap ... grave, quiet, gentle ... and Steve spoke gratefully.
"Thank you, O Master."