No sooner had he spoken than a second voice joined the first.

From somewhere in the next room, a woman's voice joined the conversation.

A voice that was almost his own added, "We will not join you."

The First again tried to ignore him, but another voice joined his.

Then another voice joined the boy's, louder and saying the same things.

A new voice had joined the others behind him; there were three now.

Almost immediately a male voice joined that of the female.

Now a man's voice joined in, and they began shaking him as well.

A third voice joined the other two, high and feminine this time.

A second voice joined the first, and then both laughed.