His voice was completely emotionless. "This man has killed both my
father and grandfather, both of them Khans of Tula, heads of the most
powerful city on all Texcoco, before the coming of you Earthlings."
The guards hesitated. Watson detained them with a motion of his hand.
Taller said, "I suggest you turn him over to me, to be dealt with in the
traditional way of the People."
"No," Chessman said hoarsely. "Barry, Dick, Natt, send me back to the
_Pedagogue_. I'll be out of things there. Or maybe Mayer can use me on
Genoa."
They didn't bother to look in his direction. Roberts muttered savagely,
"We told you all that was needed was a spark. Now you've killed the
Khan, the most popular man on Texcoco. There's no way of saving you."
Taller said, "None of you have studied our traditions, our customs. But
now, perhaps, you will understand the added effect of my taking charge.
It will be a more ... profitable manner of using the downfall of this
... this power mad murderer."
Chessman said desperately, "Look, Barry, Natt, if you have to, shoot me.
At least give me a man's death. Remember those human sacrifices the
Tulans had when we first arrived? Can you imagine what went on in those
temples? Barry, Dick--for old time's sake, boys ..."
Barry Watson said to Taller, "He's yours. If this doesn't take the
pressure off us, nothing will."