Ecce and Old Earth by Jack Vance Read Free Book Online

more perplexing. Wayness confuses me; her conduct is beyond my understanding. But she refuses to confide in me, on the grounds that I could not conscientiously keep my mouth shut.” Egon Tamm turned a searching gaze upon Glawen. “What of you? Surely you must have some clue as to what is going on!”
    Glawen side-stepped the question. “I have no idea where she is or what she is doing. She has had no letters from me – for a very good reason, of course – so she is not writing until she hears from me.”
    “I have had no recent letters. She tells me nothing in any case. Still, I sense a force, or pressure, pushing her where she really does not want to go. She is much too young and inexperienced for any serious trouble. I am deeply concerned.”
    Glawen said in a subdued voice: “I have much the same feeling.”
    ”Why is she so secretive?"
    “Evidently she has learned something which would cause damage if it were generally known. Indeed, if I might make a suggestion?”
    “Suggest all you like”
    “It might be best if neither of us should so much as speculate regarding Wayness in public.”
    “That is an interesting idea, which I do not totally understand. Still I will take it to heart – though I am baffled by what could have so aroused the girl and taken her so far away. Our problems are undeniably real, but they are here on Cadwal!”
    Glawen said uncomfortably: “I am certain that she has good reasons for whatever she is doing.”
    “No doubt her next letter may supply a few more details.”
    “And include her current address, or so I hope. Speaking of letters, I imagine that Bodwyn Wook told you of Floreste's final testament. “
    “He reported its gist and recommended that I study it in detail. In fact – first, let me explain conditions at Riverview House. Every year I must endure official scrutiny of my affairs by a pair of wardens. This year the two wardens are Wilder Fergus and Dame Clytie Vergence, whom I think you will remember and her nephew Julian Bohost is here also.”
    “I remember them well.”
    “They are unforgettable. I have other unusual guests. 'Unusual,' that is, in the context of Riverview House. They are Lewyn Barduys and his traveling companion, a creature of many distinctions who uses the name ‘Flitz’.”
    “ 'Flitz'?”
    “No more, no less. Barduys is a man of wealth, and can afford such frivolities. I know nothing about him, except that he seems to be a friend of Dame Clytie.”
    “Dame Clytie is her usual self?”
    “Even more so. She has elevated Titus Pompo to the stature of a folk hero-a noble and selfless revolutionary champion of the oppressed.”
    “She is serious?”
    “Quite serious.”
    Glawen smiled thoughtfully. “Floreste discusses Titus Pompo in some detail.”
    “I would like to hear this letter,” said Egon Tamm. “My guests might also be interested. Perhaps you would join us for lunch tomorrow and read the letter aloud.”
    “I will be happy to do so.”
    “Good! Until tomorrow, then, a bit before noon.”
     

IV .
    In the morning Glawen telephoned the airport and was connected to Chilke. "Good morning, Glawen," said Chilke. "What is on your mind?"
    “I would like a few words with you, at your convenience.”
    “One time is as good as another."
    "I'll be there at once.”
    Arriving at the airport, Glawen went to the glass-walled office at the side of the hangar. Here he found Chilke: a man of invincible nonchalance, a veteran of a thousand escapades, some creditable. Chilke was sturdy and heavy-shouldered, of middle stature, with a blunt-featured face, an unruly mat of dust-colored curls and cheeks roped with cartilage.
    Chilke stood by a side-table, pouring tea into a mug. He looked over his shoulder. “Sit down, Glawen. Will you have some tea?"
    “If you please.”
    Chilke poured out another mug. “This is the authentic stuff, from the far hills of Old Earth, not just some local seaweed." Chilke settled himself into his chair. “What