"What is it?"
"He's dead."
"Dead?" Amazement took hold of them.
"Dead." The Earthman stood up, shaking his head. "But your wife, Bila. I must attend to her."
"No." The native stepped between the man and woman, and held out his arms.
"No? Why not?"
"The Gods have frowned on you, starman. It is obvious that they are dissatisfied with you, for they took your brother."
"But just because Cassidy died doesn't mean your wife will." He stared at the lesser being, dumfounded. "But she might, if not treated."
"We shall get the priest. We cannot run the risk of offending the Gods by permitting you to touch her."
The Earthman stared from face to face, but the same message was written on all. Hopelessness took the place of question, and he turned, and stumbled from the hut, and into the storm.