It was different, looking at them as though they were “people.” As animals, they had been interesting; as “people,” horrible. Their eyes, which were neutral little objects before, now seemed to watch them with active malevolence.
“They’re making noises,” said Slim, in a whisper which was barely audible.
“I guess they’re talking or something,” said Red. Funny that those noises which they had heard before had not had significance earlier. He was making no move toward them. Neither was Slim.
The canvas was off but they were just watching. The ground meat, Slim noticed, hadn’t been touched.
Slim said, “Aren’t you going to do something?”
“Aren’t you?”
“You found them.”
“It’s your turn, now.”
“No, it isn’t. You found them. It’s your fault, the whole thing. I was watching.”
“You joined in, Slim. You know you did.”
“I don’t care. You found them and that’s what I’ll say when they come here looking for us.”
Red said, “All right for you.” But the thought of the consequences inspired him anyway, and he reached for the cage door.