"An interesting question," said Pao Chung ironically. "But not of prime importance at the moment."
Ferris watched a smile writhe on the girl's lips and felt a quick relief. She might help, if only to thwart Pao Chung's idea of throwing him to the human wolves outside.
A harsh voice clamored for admittance.
The animals were growing restive again. An earthy bellow boomed out against a counterpoint of birdlike trills. The sand leopards coughed guttural warnings. Somewhere a pygmy elephant trumpeted, and the giant insects burst into deafening clatters.
Teucrete motioned for silence, then drew the bolts and held the gate ajar on its short chain.
"Who's there?" she demanded roughly.
"Police," several voices explained. "Open the gate, or we'll break it down."
"Have you a warrant?"
"It's a security matter," someone explained hopefully.
"Tell that to the animals," she stormed. "It's as much as your life's worth to come in here tonight. They're upset already, and I can't control them if you keep up this noise. Go away."