Vervain advanced slowly across the floor. Even he could derive little satisfaction from the prospect of killing a tharn rabbit half his own size, in obedience to a contemptuous taunt. The small rabbit made no move whatever, either to retreat or to defend himself, but only stared at him with great eyes which, though troubled, were certainly not those of a beaten enemy or a victim. Before his gaze, Vervain stopped in uncertainty and for long moments the two faced each other in the dim light. Then, very quietly and with no trace of fear, the strange rabbit said,
"I am sorry for you with all my heart. But you cannot blame us, for you came to kill us if you could."
"Blame you?" answered Vervain. "Blame you for what?"
"For your death. Believe me, I am sorry for your death."