“Perhaps you’re going to Poolingdred, Digrung?” he inquired, interested.

“As a matter of fact I am—­if I can find my way out of this accursed country.”

“Possibly you are acquainted with Joiwind there?”

“She’s my sister.  I’m on my way to see her now.  Why, do you know her?”

“I met her yesterday.”

“What is your name, then?”

“Maskull.”

“I shall tell her I met you.  This will be our first meeting for four years.  Is she well, and happy?”

“Both, as far as I could judge.  You know Panawe?”

“Her husband—­yes.  But where do you come from?  I’ve seen nothing like you before.”

“From another world.  Where is Matterplay?”

“It’s the first country one comes to beyond the Sinking Sea.”

“What is it like there—­how do you amuse yourselves?  The same old murders and sudden deaths?”

“Are you ill?” asked Digrung.  “Who is this woman, why are you following at her heels like a slave?  She looks insane to me.  What’s that corpse—­why are you dragging it around the country with you?”

Tydomin smiled.  “I’ve already heard it said about Matterplay, that if one sows an answer there, a rich crop of questions immediately springs up.  But why do you make this unprovoked attack on me, Digrung?”

“I don’t attack you, woman, but I know you.  I see into you, and I see insanity.  That wouldn’t matter, but I don’t like to see a man of intelligence like Maskull caught in your filthy meshes.”

“I suppose even you clever Matterplay people sometimes misjudge character.  However, I don’t mind.  Your opinion’s nothing to me, Digrung.  You’d better answer his questions, Maskull.  Not for his own sake—­but your feminine friend is sure to be curious about your having been seen carrying a dead man.”

Maskull’s underlip shot out.  “Tell your sister nothing, Digrung.  Don’t mention my name at all.  I don’t want her to know about this meeting of ours.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t wish it—­isn’t that enough?”

Digrung looked impassive.

“Thoughts and words,” he said, “which don’t correspond with the real events of the world are considered most shameful in Matterplay.”

“I’m not asking you to lie, only to keep silent.”

“To hide the truth is a special branch of lying.  I can’t accede to your wish.  I must tell Joiwind everything, as far as I know it.”

Maskull got up, and Tydomin followed his example.

She touched Digrung on the arm and gave him a strange look.  “The dead man is my husband, and Maskull murdered him.  Now you’ll understand why he wishes you to hold your tongue.”

“I guessed there was some foul play,” said Digrung.  “It doesn’t matter—­I can’t falsify facts.  Joiwind must know.”

“You refuse to consider her feelings?” said Maskull, turning pale.