All within it were the myriads of tiny crystalline points that we had grown to know were the receptors of some strange sense of sight.

But they did not sparkle as did those others; they were dull, lifeless.

I touched the surface.

It was smooth, cool--with none of that subtle, warm vitality that pulsed through all the Things with which I had come in contact.

I shook my head, realizing as I did so what a shock the incredible possibility he had suggested had given me.
"No," I said.