"Why should I kill you?"
She shrugged her beautiful shoulders. "It is the way of the Gods," she said. "If you do not, then the others will."
He took the tube-weapon in his hands, careful not to touch the button. "Don't be afraid. I didn't mean to kill the man. It was an accident. I will protect you."
She shook her head. "One day they will find me alone, and they'll kill me."
"Why?"
She shrugged. "I have not pleased you."
"On the contrary, you have. There is a time and place for everything, though."
Suddenly a great voice sounded in the cavern, a voice with no direction. It came from the ceiling, the floor, the walls, the steaming pool. It was in the language of the web-footed people; it was in his own tongue. "No harm must come to this woman. The God with fingers on his feet has decreed this."
Those in the cavern looked at the woman with fear and respect. She kissed Stinson's feet. Two of the men came and gave her a brilliant new skirt. She smiled at him, and he thought he had never seen a more beautiful face.