"It's Glawen! Open up!"

The door eased back a crack; Kirdy looked out.

"So there you are! I was truly worried! When I saw Yips on the roof I had to douse the light and pull up the rope, so they wouldn't trace it here."

"So that's why I couldn't find the rope," said Glawen.

"It probably worked out for the best."

"I was watching for you, but I didn't see you," Kirdy explained.

"And I was sure that you'd find another way into the hotel."

"We'll talk about it later; there's no time now. Where's the rope?"

"Here. I've made a bundle of it."

"Good. Go downstairs and sit with the Bold Lions. I'll get rid of the rope."

Kirdy departed. Glawen tucked the bundle under his arm and followed. He crossed the lobby, went down to the dock.

Standing in the shadows Glawen wedged a chunk of broken concrete into the bundle and tossed it into the harbor, where it sank immediately. He then returned to the terrace and rejoined the Bold Lions, where Kirdy already sat.

Five minutes passed. A pair of Oomps came into the lobby.

They paused, looked all around, then came out on the terrace and approached the Bold Lions. One spoke in a soft voice:

"Good evening, gentlemen."

"Good evening," said Shugart.

"I hope you are not bringing us news of another surcharge or service tax? I assure you that we've been milked quite dry."

"No doubt, no doubt. What have you been doing?"

Shugart looked up in astonishment.

"Observe these goblets, some empty, others full or half full of rum punch! I am no detective but I might well assume that the Bold Lions were carousing in typical style."

"What about Bold Lion tricks and pranks?"

"My dear fellow, we have just engaged in tricks and pranks at Pussycat Palace, and, for the moment at least, have no more in mind."

"That is a clear statement. Who was your escort?"

"A certain Fader."

"Good evening to you all."

The Oomps departed. Uther looked after them.

"Now, what in thunder were they after, with their talk of pranks? Kiper, did you do something insane? Remember, this is Yipton, and Titus Pompo takes a dim view of mischief."

"Don't blame me; I've done nothing!"

The Bold Lions sat for another hour, then went up to their rooms. Almost immediately there was a great howl from Aries' cubicle.

The Bold Lions and other tourists looked out into the hall.

Aries burst from his room, his heavy round face congested with rage.

"They've stolen my cloak!"

"Aries, control yourself!" said Jardine.

"Talk sensibly! Who has stolen your cloak?"

"Thieves! The Yipton burglars! My best cloak: it's gone!"

"Are you sure? Did you look everywhere?"

"Of course! Even under the bed! It's gone!"

"It's a serious matter for sure," said one of the tourists.

"In the morning you must make a stern complaint. As for now, let us all go to sleep."

"In the morning it will be too late!" declared Aries in a passion.

"It's quite late right now," said the tourist.

"You can roar all night long and still not recover your cloak."

"Good advice," said Shugan.

"We'll see to it in the morning."

Kirdy said: "It won't do any good. The cloak is gone; why make a fuss?"

"Sensible talk," said the tourist.

"Goodnight, all. I hope there will be no more hysterical outcries."

"It's a skulking ding-dong outrage!" declared Aries through clenched teeth.

"I'm almost afraid to undress for fear someone will take my pants and shoes."

Uther said shortly: "Sleep with your clothes on, then. As for me, I'm tired and I'm for bed."