"Well no. I can't understand why you're so mysterious about your trip to Earth."

"It's simple. I can't trust you not to tell someone else."

"Hmmf," said Glawen.

"That's not a nice thing to say."

"You asked, and I told you."

"I didn't expect to hear anything quite so honest."

"It's more a matter of realism. Think, now. Suppose you swore silence by everything you held sacred, which induced me to tell you what I know and what I want to do. After thinking it over, you might decide that your higher duty lay in breaking faith with me and notifying your father. For the same high motives, your father might then inform Bodwyn Wook, and then who knows how far the information might travel? If it reached the wrong ears, very serious consequences might be the result. I avoid this worry by telling no one. Now I hope you understand and are no longer angry with me, at least on that account."

Glawen thought for a moment, then said: "If I understand you correctly, you are involved, or plan to involve yourself, in a matter of importance."

"That's true."

"Are you sure that you can take care of the business alone?"

"I'm not sure of anything except that I must do what needs to be done without attracting attention. It's a real dilemma for me; I want and I may need help, but only on my own terms. Milo is the best compromise and he is coming with me, for which I'm grateful. Now, then: have I made everything clear?"

"I understand what you've told me, yes. But suppose you and Milo are killed: what happens to your information?"

"I've already made arrangements."

"I think you should consult your father."

Wayness shook her head.

"He'd declare that I was too young and inexperienced for such a venture, and I wouldn't be allowed to leave River-view House."

"Is it possible that he might be right?"

"I don't think so. I believe that I am doing exactly the right thing Anyway, that's the situation and I hope that you feel better."

"I don't feel anything, which is better."

"Goodnight, Glawen."

The following morning Wayness called Glawen again.

"Just to bring you up to date: Warden Ballinder and Dame Clytie quarreled this morning. As a result Dame Clytie, with Julian in tow, is returning early to Stroma."

"Indeed! What of Julian's investigation of Mad Mountain?"

"The subject never arose. It's either been postponed or forgotten."

In response to a question from Bodwyn Wook, Glawen stated:

"I'm not at all comfortable with the Bold Lion assignment. I feel a spy and a sneak."

"Why should you not?" snapped Bodwyn Wook.

"That is your function. A Bureau B agent never fools himself with words.

Forget the terminology; just do the work."

"Meanwhile I must consort with the Bold Lions. They grow more tiresome by the hour."

"Including Kirdy?"

"Kirdy is inconsistent. He can even be amusing, in a sarcastic way. But give him an extra mug of Bold Lion Reserve and he is as callow as Cloyd or Kiper. Sometimes worse!"

"Odd! Few Wooks are callow. Let me advise you: never undercsti mate Kirdy, or take him casually! At times he shows a Machiavellian clarity of vision. For example, like yourself, he felt awkward bringing me weekly reports of seditions and criminal conspiracies. He therefore recommended that I assign this work to you. Chicanery may be expected anywhere and at any time."

Glawen smiled ruefully.

"I will certainly keep what you say in mind."

Bodwyn Wook leaned back in his chair.

"Kirdy does not understand this, but the Bold Lions are in the nature of a camouflage. There is a certain person in whom I am interested. He seems to have a fairly close association with Titus Pompo, though he does not advertise the fact. I refer to Namour."

Glawen made no comment. Bodwyn Wook continued: "Namour is deft and gracious: so much so that we suspect him without knowing exactly why. Give careful attention to Namour and every word he says, without being obvious. When do the Bold Lions meet next?"

"Milden afternoon they're driving up to Sannenter Cove for a clam roast. Namour will not be on hand. I also hope to avoid the event."

"How so? It might be a jolly affair!"

Glawen shook his head.

"Everyone will be drunk but me. There will be a lot of secret Bold Lion ritual: pounces, growls and roars, with penalties for making mistakes. New songs composed by Kiper and Aries will' be introduced, which everyone must memorize and sing with gusto. Kiper and Jardine will vomit. Aries will be Aries. Kirdy will pontificate; Uther will vex him by laughing, and sneering.

There is little to attract me."

"No girls?"

"What girls would go anywhere with the Bold Lions?"

"Still, you must be on hand. Be watchful and formulate theories."

"As you say, sir."

"One final word. Today I spoke with the Conservator. He mentioned that you had been a recent visitor to Riverview House."

"Yes. I'm afraid I talked too much."

"Not according to Egon Tamm. He tells me that when you were asked for your opinions, you stated them clearly and vigorously, but with perfect gentility. Your remarks, so he tells me, were exactly appropriate, and what he wanted to say himself. In short, you have gained his good opinion." He waved his hand.