Some years ago, I read a wonderful, strange science fiction book. Some aliens from somewhere, it is never made clear, are scouting Earth. One of the scouts, disguised as an Earthling, is sympathetic to Earthlings. I can only remember a couple of scenes in the book. One where someone being held prisoner has part of his tongue cut out, and begs for “merky.” Could not say “mercy.” Also, there is a passage where the scout and his superior are riding in a car and they pass some sheep in a field. The superior says, "who are those beings?’ And the scout replies, “They call themselves Sheep.” Then the sup says, “Have you talked to them?” And the scout lies and says, “yes.”
Does anyone know the name of this book, as well as the author?