"Why aren't you eating?"
"The food is revolting. The beans are spoiled and the greens are burned."
"You will be hungry if you do not eat."
"Better hungry than sick."
"Come, then; there is no point sitting here in idleness."
Once more in the chamber Lilo primly seated herself in the chair, and Glawen sat on the cot. Lilo said: "We should now discuss the Primordials."
"Let's talk about something more interesting," said Glawen.
"What services does Zaa expect of me?"
Lilo gave a nervous flutter of the hand.
"I would not care to venture an opinion."
"Who telephoned to tell her I was coming?"
"I don't know. Now, in regard to the books, I will leave them at
your disposal. Since they are valuable, I have been instructed to secure a receipt." Lilo rose to her feet and extended a sheet of paper.
"You must affix your symbol and your name to this."
Glawen waved aside the receipt.
"Take the books away. I don't want them."
"But they are indispensable for your studies."
"This travesty must come to an end, the sooner the better. I am Captain Glawen Clattuc, a police officer. I am conducting an investigation. When I complete my inquiries I intend to leave."
Lilo stood frowning down at the receipt.
"Still, you must sign this paper; these are Zaa's instructions."
"Read what is written on the receipt."
In an uncertain voice Lilo read the document. "
"I, Glawen, acknowledge receipt of six books, here listed by title'"--Lilo read the titles-" 'which I will use carefully and diligently as my studies dictate. I will pay the usual royalty to the Monomantic Institute for this usage, and also a reasonable charge for sustenance, accommodation and other sundries."" .
"Give me the pen," said Glawen. At the bottom of the page he wrote: "I, Glawen Clattuc of Clattuc House, Araminta Station, Cadwal, Captain of Police and affiliate of the IPCC, will pay nothing whatever. I am here in my capacity as a police officer, and will depart as soon as convenient. Any claims for reimbursement of any kind must be made to the IPCC office at Fexelburg."
Glawen returned the paper to Lilo.
"Take the books. I do not intend to use them."
Lilo took the books and went to the door. Glawen jumped up and stood in the doorway.
"Never mind the lock. Since I am not studying, I will take my chances with distraction."
Lilo went slowly out into the hall, where she paused and looked back with a troubled expression. She said at last:
"It's better that I lock the door."
"I don't like it. It makes me feel a prisoner."
"It is for your convenience, and safety."
"I will take the chance."
Lilo turned and went off down the hall. Glawen watched as she disappeared down the purportedly dangerous staircase.
For an instant he was prompted to follow, but decided against precipitating a confrontation. Let Plock from the IPCC deal with these extraordinary folk.
On the other hand, no harm could come of taking precautions.
He looked up and down the hall, and saw no one. He ran to the wardroom
where Mutis had cut his hair. From a shelf he took six clean bed sheets and returned to the door. Once again he looked out into the hall. It was still empty. He returned to his chamber as quickly as he had come. Standing on the chair he lay the sheets on top of the tall wardrobe where they could not be seen. After a moment's thought he also concealed the bundle he had made of his clothes.
Half an hour passed. Mutis opened the door and looked into the room.
"Come with me."
Glawen spoke in a cold voice: "Have you no manners? Knock at the door before you enter!"
Mutis gave him a dull uncomprehending stare and signaled with a sweep of his heavy hand.
"Come."
"Come where?"
Muds scowled and stepped forward.
"Need I make myself any more clear? The word was "Come'!"
Glawen slowly rose to his feet. Mutis seemed to be in an ugly mood.
"Hurry!" growled Mutis.
"Do not keep me waiting.
So far you have come off easily."
