Read the following passage and questions, then choose the right answer from options, the answer should be one of A, B, C, D.

<passage>:
RETIEF OF THE RED-TAPE MOUNTAIN by KEITH LAUMER Retief knew the importance of sealed orders—and the need to keep them that way! The hatch clanked shut. A moment later there was a jar as the skiff shocks, a final bone-shaking concussion, then stillness, broken by the ping of hot metal contracting. Coughing, Retief disengaged himself from the shock-webbing. He beat cautiously, a pistol in his hand. As he passed, Retief rose, leaped the log and tackled him. "Maybe I'll look better after a shave," said Retief. "What's the idea of shooting at me?" "Lemme up. My name's Potter. Sorry 'bout that. I figured it was a "I heard there was a full-fledged war brewing," said Retief. "I didn't expect—" "I'm—" "Keep your head down. These damn Flap-jacks have got some wicked hand weapons. Come on...." He moved off silently on all fours. Retief Retief looked down at the charred, torn and sweat-soaked powder-blue blazer and slacks. Flap-jack." "I won't, but—" Potter was on his way, loping off up a gentle slope. Retief pulled off the sodden blazer, dropped it over a bush, added his string tie and followed Potter. before. They know better now." Bert chuckled. "Sure do. We showed 'em the next time, didn't we, Potter? Got four." "They walked right up to my place a couple days after the first time," we're trying to start won't be enough but they'll help." "We been yellin' for help to the CDT, over on Ivory," said Potter. "But you know these Embassy stooges." "We heard they were sending some kind of bureaucrat in here to tell Retief. "We put out the word back home. We all got relatives on Ivory and Verde." "Shut up, you damn fool!" a deep voice grated. "Lemuel!" Potter said. "Nobody else could sneak up on us like that." "If I'd a been a Flap-jack I'd of et you alive," the newcomer said, He eyed Retief. "Who's that?" "What do ya mean?" Potter spoke in the silence. "He's your cousin...." "He ain't no cousin of mine," Lemuel said slowly. He stepped to Retief. "Who you spyin' for, stranger?" he rasped. "Skip the talk. I know a fink when I see one." "Just for a change, I'd like to finish a sentence," said Retief. "And I "Maybe. But I'm talking to suit me. Now, for the last time, put it away." Lemuel stared at Retief. "You givin' me orders...?" Retief's left fist shot out, smacked Lemuel's face dead center. He Bert froze. "Hark, boys," he whispered. In the sudden silence a night lizard called. Retief strained, heard nothing. He narrowed his eyes, peered past the fire— from the left, me and Potter from the right." "No," said Retief. "You wait here. I'm going out alone." "What's the idea...?" "Later. Sit tight and keep your eyes open." Retief took a bearing on a treetop faintly visible against the sky and started forward. Five minutes' stealthy progress brought him to a slight rise of ground. separated itself from a dark mass of stone, glided across a few yards of open ground to another shelter. Retief watched. Minutes passed. The "Sorry, fellow," he muttered between clenched teeth. "Eye-gouging isn't gentlemanly, but it's effective...." The Flap-jack fell still, only its fringes rippling slowly. Retief was correct, a Flap-jack picket should be along before too long.... A penetrating beam of red light struck Retief in the face, blinked off. He got to his feet. The captive Flap-jack rippled its fringe in an agitated way. Retief tensed his thumb in the eye-socket. "Sit tight," he said. "Don't try to do anything hasty...." His remarks were falling on deaf ears—or no ears at all—but the thumb spoke as loudly as words. came in all sizes. A low rumble sounded, like a deep-throated growl. It strummed on, faded out. Retief cocked his head, frowning. "Try it two octaves higher," he said. "Awwrrp! Sorry. Is that better?" a clear voice came from the darkness. "That's fine," Retief said. "I'm here to arrange a prisoner exchange." "Prisoners? But we have no prisoners." "Ah, yes, of course. Quite equitable. What guarantees do you require?" "The word of a gentleman is sufficient." Retief released the alien. It flopped once, disappeared into the darkness. Retief turned. An immense Flap-jack, hung with crimson trappings, rippled at his side. The voice issued from a disk strapped to its back. "Thanks. I'm sure the test would be interesting, but I'm hoping we can avoid it." "Avoid it?" Retief heard a low humming coming from the speaker in the silence. "Well, let us dine," the mighty Flap-jack said at last. "We can resolve these matters later. I am called Hoshick of the Mosaic of "I'm Retief." Hoshick waited expectantly, "... of the Mountain of Red Tape," Retief added. "Take place, Retief," said Hoshick. "I hope you won't find our rude couches uncomfortable." Two other large Flap-jacks came into the room, communed silently with Hoshick. "Pray forgive our lack of translating "Delicious," said Retief. "I wonder. Have you considered eliminating weapons altogether?" A scratchy sound issued from the disk. "Pardon my laughter," Hoshick said, "but surely you jest?" "As a matter of fact," said Retief, "we ourselves seldom use weapons." "Sir!" said Retief sternly. "You forget yourself. I, Retief of the Red Tape Mountain, make an alternate proposal more in keeping with the "New?" cried Hoshick. "My dear Retief, what a pleasant surprise! I'm rearing up before him, his trappings gone. A silent rank of Flap-jack retainers were grouped behind him. "I fear I must lay aside the translator now, Retief," said Hoshick. "Very well. Shall we begin?" With a rush Hoshick threw himself at Retief, who ducked, whirled, and him. He worked an arm free, drumming blows on the leathery back. Hoshick nestled closer. Retief's air was running out. He heaved up against the smothering weight. Nothing budged. It was like burial under a dump-truck-load of concrete. top of him, still gouging. Hoshick rippled his fringe wildly, flopped in terror, then went limp. Retief relaxed, released his hold and got to his feet, breathing hard. "Speaking of hide-ticks," said Retief, "we've developed a biterform—" "Enough!" Hoshick roared, so loudly that the translator bounced on his promise to stick to the oases and vegetables." Hoshick curled his back in attention. "Retief, you're quite serious? Hoshick rippled his fringes ecstatically. "Once again you have outdone me, Retief," he cried. "This time, in generosity."

<question>:
Why doesn't Retief correct Potter about his assumption that Retief is Lemuel's cousin?

<options>:
A He sees right away that it would be beneficial to allow this misunderstanding to continue.
B Retief is a diplomat. He doesn't see the point in embarrassing Potter by correcting him.
C He tries, but never finishes the thought, because Potter keeps interrupting him.
D Retief didn't hear what Potter said.

<answer>:

C