"So we do."

In a carefully modulated voice, Julian asked: "Are you still planning to go away to Earth?"

"Yes. There is some research I want to do which can't be managed here."

"What is your subject? You've always been so vague."

"Essentially it's a trifle of folklore I want to track down."

"And Milo is going with you?"

"That is the plan."

Julian's voice became brittle.

"What of me?"

"I'm not sure what you mean--although I have a suspicion."

"I thought that we had an understanding. I don't want to be kept waiting indefinitely."

Wayness laughed shortly.

"That so-called understanding was^ Mother's idea, not mine. It's not at all practical. In the first place, la am not in sympathy with your political beliefs." | "It wasn't that way before. Someone has influenced you.

Could it! be Milo?" I "Milo and I seldom if ever discuss politics." :) "It couldn't be Glawen Clattuc. He is even more naive than Milo."3| Wayness became exasperated.

"Isn't it conceivable that I think for :| myself? Still, you should not underestimate Glawen; he is quiet, unpretentious, and highly intelligent.

He is also competent, a quality which I admire very much."

"You defend him fervently."

Wayness said wearily, "Please, Julian, put me out of your mind. At the moment I have my own problems and I don't care to cope with yours. I am absolutely definite on this."

Julian gave a cold shrug and leaned back in his chair. The two sat in silence, watching Syrene drop upon the mountains.

Glawen and Milo returned.

"The hunters will be ready, well-fed and amiable, immediately after breakfast."

"In a far friendlier mood than they are now," said Milo.

"Or so I hope. Glawen did not exaggerate; the hunters are not lovable. I don't envy the stable men their work."

"I hope they're good at it," said Wayness.

"They should be by now," Glawen replied.

"They've been here for years at least since my last visit."

Julian prepared to utter a remark, presumably in regard to the Yips, but Wayness forestalled him.

"The sun is almost down, and it's time to dress for dinner."

The four went to their rooms. Glawen bathed and dressed in garments considered proper for informal dining at the lodges: dark green trousers with black and red piping down the sides, a white shirt and trim dark gray jacket.

Returning to the terrace, he found Milo already on hand, leaning on the balustrade. Dusk had come to the Plain of Moans, with distances blurred and a dull orange afterglow rimming the sky.

"I've been listening to sounds," said Milo.

"I've heard several different kinds of howling, a heavy deep roar, or bellow, and a melancholy wailing sound."

"I like listening from up here, behind the balustrade," said Glawen.

"If the other choice is down there on the plain, I like it here too. Listen! What's that?"

"I don't know. It has a sad voice."

Wayness appeared, wearing a white skirt and a pale tan jacket which perfectly complemented her coloring.

"What are you two doing?"

"Listening to noises and sounds," said Glawen.

"Come over and help."

"For instance!" said Milo.

"Listen to that."

"I hear it. No wonder this is the Plain of Moans." Wayness looked up and down the terrace, where half the tables were already occupied by other guests of the lodge.

"Are we dining outside?"

"If you like."

"It's a pleasant evening. Let's go."

The three went to sit at a table. Time passed: ten minutes, twenty minutes, and Julian still had not made an appearance.

Milo became restive. He looked over his shoulder toward the lobby.

"Has he fallen asleep? I'd better give him a call, or we'll be waiting until he wakes up."

Milo went off to investigate. Presently he returned.

"Odd!