Glawen read the placard affixed to the wall which listed services and entertainments available to the tourist, with the associated charges. The day was warm and humid; Glawen changed into light clothing and went down to the lobby. This was an expansive area with walls and ceiling of the ubiquitous bamboo, varnished honey brown. Along the back wall hung dozens of grotesque masks, carved from blocks of black johowood--irresistible souvenirs for the tourist. On the floor lay dramatic rugs woven in startling colors and odd patterns, which added an attractive vivacity to the atmosphere of the room. A line of doorways opened on the terrace, where hotel guests loitered over their lunch.
Glawen seated himself on a wicker couch to the side of the lobby, despite himself fascinated by the ambience of Arkady Inn. Groups of tourists sat about the lobby, regaling newly arrived contingents with descriptions of their remarkable experiences along the byways and canals of Yipton. A dozen barefoot bar boys wearing only white kirtles moved quietly back and forth serving rum punch, ling-lang toddy, smiler juice (mixed from secret ingredients) and green elixir ("salubrious, clarifying of the mental way locks conducive to merry diversities").
A group of Bold Lions descended the stairs: Aries, Cloyd, Dauncy and Kiper. Aries took note of Glawen from the corner of his eye, but ostentatiously turned away and led the group to a table across the room.
Glawen brought out the chart supplied in the information pamphlet.
The area of Bodwyn Wook's interest, north and east of the hotel, was labeled: "Industrial and Warehousing: non tourist area."
Glawen sat back wondering how best to deal with Kirdy, who almost certainly had misrepresented the degree of authority extended him by Bodwyn Wook.
Glawen considered what he felt to be his range of options and in the end decided that the least attractive of these, simple submission to Kirdy's dictates, was by all odds the most practical. He must swallow dignity, exasperation and half a dozen other emotions and adapt himself to his new role as Kirdy's assistant.
Even as Glawen swallowed this bitter pill, Kirdy came down the stairs. He looked around the lobby, then came to sit beside Glawen.
"Aren't you going on the tour?"
Glawen looked at him blankly.
"What tour?"
"It's what the Yips call their Orientation Tour. The charge is four sols, which pays for a guide and canal transportation. We'll be back for supper; then it's off and away to Pussycat Palace."
"I haven't been invited on the tour," said Glawen.
"As for Pussycat Palace, I'll pass that up as well."
Kirdy stared at Glawen in wonder.
"How so?"
Glawen sighed; Kirdy already was about to become tiresome.
"It's no great matter. The girls are apathetic, which makes me feel foolish. Also, I'd be wondering who had just preceded me on the premises."
"That's sheer tommyrot!" scoffed Kirdy.
"I'm an old hand at it and I never feel foolish. It's a treat for them;
otherwise they'd be out tending sea lettuce. They'll give you all kinds of action if you just hint that you're displeased; in fact, sometimes they'll do it all over again, rather than be reported, which means a whipping for them."
"This is valuable information and I'll keep it in mind," said Glawen.
"It's clear that you know how to handle women.
But for me the process still lacks appeal."
Kirdy's face became set.
"People in our line of work can't afford such qualms and quirks; you're too finicky by far. I want you to mingle with the Bold Lions in all situations;
otherwise you call attention to yourself and arouse suspicion, which we don't need."
Glawen scowled across the lobby. Uther and Shugart had just come downstairs to join the others. Aries stood poised with one foot raised to a low table; his black cloak hung to striking effect. He noticed Glawen's attention and turned away. Glawen said: "Certain of the group clearly prefer not to associate with me."
Kirdy chuckled.
"A pity that your feelings are so vulnerable. Don't go grieving to Bodwyn Wook; he'll only laugh at you."
Glawen said mildly: "You quite misunderstand my remarks."
"Be that as it may. I am as of now inviting you on the tour, and no more need be said. As for Pussycat Palace, it would be better for tomorrow, but I was outvoted. Cloyd, Dauncy, Kiper, Jardine-they're in a state of ferment."
A thought arose from the back of Glawen's mind.
"No doubt Aries is also pawing the ground?"
"For a fact Aries has been almost subdued," said Kirdy.
"We had a party last night and he's probably still under the weather." He arose.
"We'd better join the others. Give me four sols; that's the fee for the tour."
Glawen paid over the money; the two crossed the lobby. The full complement of Bold Lions was now on hand: a group brash and bumptious, exchanging banter in overloud voices. Kirdy asked: "Who is handling the tour money?"
"I am," said Shugart.
"Surely you can't be afraid I'll abscond?"
