"Yes, sir, that I do, and quite a good vehicle, which we use to bring in stuffs from Fexelburg."
"Here is ten sols. Bring out your power wagon, load these four dead hulks aboard, take them out on the steppe and drop them off where they will give no offense. As you see, we are IPCC officers, and this is your command: say nothing of this matter to anyone."
"No, sir! Not a word to anyone!"
"Then be quick, before the whole village is up and about."
Plock returned to the road. Glawen, sorting through the weapons taken from the Fexelburg police, selected a small handgun for his own use, which he tucked into the pocket of his jacket.
"Our business here is done," said Plock.
"Are you of a mind now to visit Pogan's Point?"
"I am ready," said Glawen.
"The police flyer will be useful," said Plock. He spoke to the two full agents.
"Kylte, Narduke: the two of you follow us in the extra flyer to Pogan's Point."
Zonk's Star, rising in the east, brought the pallid light of morning to Lutwiler Country. The two flyers slid across the steppe, following the road which Glawen had traveled by bus the night before.
Glawen sat relaxed and half asleep, until he was aroused by Plock:
"Pogan's Point ahead."
Glawen sat up straight and tried to become alert. Ahead the black crag of Pogan's Point reared high into the air. Glawen pointed.
"Look! Halfway up you can see windows glittering in the sunlight! That's the seminary."
The flyers circled the crag and landed in the central square of the village. The occupants alighted and, wasting no time, started up the zigzag road which led to the seminary. Only Maase, youngest of the recruits, was left to guard the flyers and maintain contact with the office at Fexelburg.
Back, forth, back, forth, trudged the six men and finally arrived at the front of the seminary. Plock rapped at the door with the door knocker once, twice, a third time, eliciting no response. He tried the door, but found it locked. At last the door moved slowly ajar, with a dour creaking of the hinges. Mutis peered through the opening. He looked around the group, giving Glawen no sign of recognition. He growled: "What do you want with us? This is the Monomantic seminary; we know nothing of Zab Zonk or his treasure. Be off with you!"
Plock pushed the door back against Mutis' outraged protest.
"What
are you doing?" cried Mutis.
"Stand back, or it will be the worse for you!"
The IPCC agents entered the vestibule.
"Bring the Ordene Zaa here in double-quick time!"
"Who shall I say is calling?" demanded Mutis sullenly.
Glawen laughed.
"Come, Mutis! You know very well who is calling, and why. This is an IPCC squad, and you are in deep trouble."
Mutis departed and presently returned with Zaa. She halted in the entrance to the stone passage and surveyed the group.
Today she wore the garments in which Glawen had seen her first. She took note of his presence and stared at him a full three seconds. Glawen said: "If you recall, I warned that you could not molest an IPCC officer and escape without punishment. The time has come and you will see that I am right."
Zaa spoke sharply to Plock: "What is your business here?
State it quickly, then leave!"
"Glawen has hinted of our business," said Plock.
"We are in no hurry, since we intend to do a thorough job."
"What are you talking about? Do you realize that this is the Monomantic seminary?"
"You reassure me!" said Plock.
"This is the correct address and we are not making a dreadful mistake. As of now, you and all other residents of the seminary are under arrest, for offenses committed against Captain Glawen Clattuc. You may instruct them to assemble outside."
Zaa made no move to obey. She said stonily: "Your jurisdiction does not prevail. We are the law of Lutwiler Country. You must leave here or stand in defiance of the law."
Plock lost patience.
"Quickly now! If you do not obey at once my men will tie you securely and carry you outside."
Zaa shrugged and, turning her head, spoke to Mutis.
"Call general assembly outside." Zaa started to leave the room.
