“Feelings which flourish on illusions, and sicken and die on realities, aren’t worth considering.  But Joiwind’s are not of that kind.”

“If you decline to do what I ask, at least return home without seeing her; your sister will get very little pleasure out of the meeting when she hears your news.”

“What are these strange relations between you?” demanded Digrung, eying him with suddenly aroused suspicion.

Maskull stared back in a sort of bewilderment.  “Good God!  You don’t doubt your own sister.  That pure angel!”

Tydomin caught hold of him delicately.  “I don’t know Joiwind, but, whoever she is and whatever she’s like, I know this—­she’s more fortunate in her friend than in her brother.  Now, if you really value her happiness, Maskull, you will have to take some firm step or other.”

“I mean to.  Digrung, I shall stop your journey.”

“If you intend a second murder, no doubt you are big enough.”

Maskull turned around to Tydomin and laughed.  “I seem to be leaving a wake of corpses behind me on this journey.”

“Why a corpse?  There’s no need to kill him.”

“Thanks for that!” said Digrung dryly.  “All the same, some crime is about to burst.  I feel it.”

“What must I do, then?” asked Maskull.

“It is not my business, and to tell the truth I am not very interested....  If I were in your place, Maskull, I would not hesitate long.  Don’t you understand how to absorb these creatures, who set their feeble, obstinate wills against yours?”

“That is a worse crime,” said Maskull.

“Who knows?  He will live, but he will tell no tales.”

Digrung laughed, but changed colour.  “I was right then.  The monster has sprung into the light of day.”

Maskull laid a hand on his shoulder.  “You have the choice, and we are not joking.  Do as I ask.”

“You have fallen low, Maskull.  But you are walking in a dream, and I can’t talk to you.  As for you, woman—­sin must be like a pleasant bath to you....”

“There are strange ties between Maskull and myself; but you are a passer-by, a foreigner.  I care nothing for you.”

“Nevertheless, I shall not be frightened out of my plans, which are legitimate and right.”

“Do as you please,” said Tydomin.  “If you come to grief, your thoughts will hardly have corresponded with the real events of the world, which is what you boast about.  It is no affair of mine.”

“I shall go on, and not back!” exclaimed Digrung, with angry emphasis.

Tydomin threw a swift, evil smile at Maskull.  “Bear witness that I have tried to persuade this young man.  Now you must come to a quick decision in your own mind as to which is of the greatest importance, Digrung’s happiness or Joiwind’s.  Digrung won’t allow you to preserve them both.”

“It won’t take me long to decide.  Digrung, I gave you a last chance to change your mind.”