X

by Isaac Asimov

　　The Astronomer was saying, "A quiet burial is all we can do. There is no point in any publicity now," when they heard the screams.

　　She had not entirely recovered by the time she reached them, running and running. It was minutes before her husband could extract sense from her.

　　She was saying, finally, "I tell you they're in the barn. I don't know what they are. No, no--"

　　She barred the Industrialist's quick movement in that direction. She said, "Don't you go. Send one of the hands with a shotgun. I tell you I never saw anything like it. Little horrible beasts with--with--I can't describe it. To think that Red was touching them and trying to feed them. He was holding them, and feeding them meat."

　　Red began, "I only--"

　　And Slim said, "It was not--"

　　The Industrialist said, quickly, "Now you boys have done enough harm today. March! Into the house! And not a word; not one word! I'm not interested in anything you have to say. After this is all over, I'll hear you out and as for you, Red, I'll see that you're properly punished."

　　He turned to his wife. "Now whatever the animals are, we'll have them killed." He added quietly once the youngsters were out of hearing, "Come, come. The children aren't hurt and, after all, they haven't done anything really terrible. They've just found a new pet."

　　The Astronomer spoke with difficulty. "Pardon me, ma'am, but can you describe these animals?"

　　She shook her head. She was quite beyond words.

　　"Can you just tell me if they--"

　　"I'm sorry," said the Industrialist, apologetically, "but I think I had better take care of her. Will you excuse me?"

　　"A moment. Please. One moment. She said she had never seen such animals before. Surely it is not usual to find animals that are completely unique on an estate such as this."

　　"I'm sorry. Let's not discuss that now."

　　"Except that unique animals might have landed during the night."

　　The Industrialist stepped away from his wife. "What are you implying?"

　　"I think we had better go to the barn, sir!"

　　The Industrialist stared a moment, turned and suddenly and quite uncharacteristically began running. The Astronomer followed and the woman's wail rose unheeded behind them.