"But what is wrong with him?"
"Alas, we do not know. He was swimming in the lake, when a demon possessed one of the fishes, and bit him on the leg. When he came out of the water, a fever lay heavily over him, and he has become unconscious."
"And you want me to save him." It was a statement, rather than a question, and the native recognized it as such.
"If it be within your power, starman. If you do not come, he must surely die."
"All right, Bila. I'll do whatever I can." He ducked inside the office, and came out again with his bag. They set off down the path.
"Your second major mistake," said Cassidy. "You were lucky with the boy, but you should have come to your senses enough to leave the bag behind on the second call. You were just stepping out into deeper water."
"But the man was sick, and I didn't know what else to do but use the medicines. I couldn't let him die!"
"Why not?"
"Why not? I've got feelings and a conscience. That's why! I couldn't just stand by and do nothing. Especially when the sedative worked on the boy!"