part of her wanted to say yes , we are the same , but she bit her tongue . i think the next one in the cage should be that pretty girl . it was dark as pitch outside . well , well let you get to work . `` but ... '' `` leave , '' she said again , gentle in understanding . `` how much 'd you pay for it ? '' i pushed him off the trail too , and we kept climbing , going as fast as sophia and warren could . peter hoped his remark sounded casual enough . 