Edward Everett Evans

“ That gave him the idea for an experiment, and he started whistling as loud as he could, gradually raising his tones until he was at the top of his range. He saw with interest and excitement that the last one or two shrillest notes seemed to attract their attention. Their silly-looking little triangular ears perked up and began twitching. They turned about, as though seeking the source of that sound, while every mouth began working with signs of utmost excitement, and his mind caught concepts of surprise and wonder. ”

“ The natives, friendly and childishly curious, had gathered in force to watch these strange new creatures, and because of their trusting natures had been easily trapped, imprisoned and forced to work long, hard hours in the rapidly-deepening holes.
“Us die swiftly away from sunlight,” Geck said sadly. “Us have very long life-span, but underground work make us wither-die fast. Idea often discussed among we to discontinue race, because soon all we be gone anyway.”
That quiet, hopeless statement made Hanlon madder than a wet cat. ”

“ Hanlon said. “What about the natives? Do they eat then, too?”
“Naw, they don't eat,” was the surprising answer. “Once a day they stick their hands into the dirt for nearly an hour. Must get nourishment that way.”
“That seems to prove they're vegetable matter. Their fingers must be some sort of feeding roots,” Hanlon observed sagely. “They sure are the strangest beings I've ever heard of.” ”