The voice said: "Two persons are aboard. Are there more to come?"
"No," said Glawen.
"What is your destination?"
"The residence of Sir Mathor Borph, about thirty miles east along the shore road."
"The exact distance is 29.68 miles," said the voice.
"One-way fare is three sols. Round-trip fare is five sols.
One or the other fee is now payable. Waiting time is one sol per hour. You may deposit as much money as you wish. A refund of the excess fee will be made."
Kirdy muttered: "Instruct the thing to drive carefully."
The vehicle asked: "Are you ready to depart? If so, say "Ready."" "Ready."
The vehicle slid out into the road and made several turnings.
"It never understood our directions!" said Kirdy in disgust.
"It is clearly confused."
"I think not," said Glawen.
"It is taking us to the shore highway by the best route."
A moment later the car swung out upon a broad avenue paralleling the coast and immediately accelerated to a speed which caused Kirdy to protest.
Glawen paid him no heed and gradually Kirdy relaxed, although there were still aspects to the mission which he could not approve.
"Sir Mathor does not know that we are coming. It is considered rude to call without an appointment."
"We are Bureau B agents; we don't need to be polite."
"Nonetheless we should have notified Sir Mathor in advance;
after all, he is a Patrune. Then, if he did not want to see us, he could have told us not to come."
"I want to see him regardless of his wishes. I came to Natrice for that purpose."
"He may be very terse--even rude."
"To a Clatiuc and a Wook? Not likely."
"He may not know of our pedigree."
"If necessary, you may inform him, but in a kindly manner, so as not to hurt his feelings."
"Bah," growled Kirdy.
"I never know when you are serious."
"That would seem to indicate good mental health. This trip may be sound therapy after all."
Kirdy had no comment to make. The two rode in silence through a landscape of mixed tropical vegetation, cultivated groves, areas of rampant jungle with trees standing three hundred feet tall, overshadowed by giant dendrons holding parasols of maroon foliage another two hundred feet higher.
At intervals gaps in the foliage allowed glimpses of the Mirling, lavender-blue under the hazy Blaiselight.
Occasional side roads led seaward to the estates of one or another Patrune, each guarded by a high wall.
The vehicle presently veered from the highway into one of the side roads and halted under a portiere, "This is the specified destination. Do you wish to return at once?"
"No. Wait."
"Waiting charges are one sol per hour, payable in advance.
Excess payment will be refunded."
Glawen pushed five sols into the receptacle.
"The car will await your orders for five hours. Please specify a code name to ensure your priority of use."
"Spanchetta," said Glawen.
"For five hours this vehicle is reserved to the use of Spanchetta," intoned the car.
Kirdy looked at Glawen in disfavor.
"Why did you give out that name?"
"It was the first name that entered my mind."
"Hmmf," sniffed Kirdy.
"I hope that we will not be obliged to:
prove our identity."
"I'm not worried. Now: listen carefully. These are your instructions. Do not intervene in the conversation unless I ask you a direct question. If I make an inaccurate statement, do not correct me, because I may have a purpose in mind. Show neither antagonism nor cordiality;
maintain a proper detachment, even though we are showered with abuse. Do not admire any ladies who may be present. In general, behave like a genuine Wook of Wook House!"
"I am inclined to resent these instructions," muttered Kirdy.
"I don't mind in the slightest. Resent all you like, so long as you do as I ask."
"I don't know if I can keep them all straight. Behave like a Wook, shower no abuse, admire the ladies " "I'll go over it again," said Glawen. He repeated his instructions.
