i struggled not to fall and growled . he was rather sorry about it , but it could not be helped . `` earth is a neutral ground , '' i told him . what did he think of center stage ? `` if the sheriff is right about him coming up for big game , then he 'd have to know the area . '' it might all prove to be a storm in a teacup . it 'd be quite easy to do . tucker quickly considered taking a shot at him but immediately decided against it . 