Moonsong Glacier do you know just how much you're worth?

He was a nervous thing. This did nothing to allay the panther's wariness, but he tried anyway to be understanding. It was difficult when it became clear the man would not be easily interrogated. Dutch wanted to ask questions, but already, the man was having trouble answering him.

"I mean no harm either," Dutch replied, hoping this might untie the stranger's tongue. "But we will be close friends, you and I, until I see you go in peace."

It seemed eminently fair to Dutch, and a far nicer thing to say than, I've got my eye on you, bozo, which was what he really meant. But the panther was not a prickly creature by nature, and as he forced his body to relax, he lost some of the stiff attitude as well.

"What brings you this way?" he asked, wondering if the stranger was capable of conversation.