I could feel Mary trembling with the strain of all this. But she had the strength to muster a laugh.
"Don't you fear him—just a little, Migul? We do. Fear is a human thing."
"Then yes, I fear him."
"Of course you do," I put in. "And the real truth, Migul, is I wish he were dead. Don't you?"
"Yes. I wish he were dead."
"Well, sit down," I persisted. "Put that weapon away: I'm afraid of that, too. Sit down and we will talk about Tugh's death."
The Robot placed the weapon on the floor, disconnected the wires, opened the plate of its chest and took out the small battery. And then it squatted its awkward bulk on the floor before us. Gruesome conference, with this huge mechanical thing apeing the ways of a man!
I knew that haste was necessary, but did not dare show it. Above everything we must not be precipitate; not startle the Robot. At worst, if Tugh should return, I could seize this weapon at my feet and turn it upon him.
