The Sorcerer's House by Gene Wolfe Read Free Book Online Page A

which seem good to me. The first, of course, was that if I were to nail it shut I could not use it myself. In the case of the side door, that hardly matters; the front and rear doors remain at my disposal. There is presumably some means of accessing the cellar from within the house, but I have yet to discover it. Until I do, I would be locking myself out of my own cellar.
    Second, I rather hoped the boy would return. I boxed and fenced at the university, as you may recall. I will not say I was expert at either; those who were regarded me with contempt. Yet I did those things. Last night I suffered defeat at the hands of a mere boy, and I find that I regard myself with greater contempt because of it.
    Besides, I have his apparatus--his, assuming he did not steal it. If it is his, he should be able to tell me what it is and how it is used; and if it is his, I am honor bound to return it.
    Third, my small supply of nails (I found them in the old lady's tool shed) is nearly exhausted.
    Once I had rejected the notion of nailing my cellar door, it occurred to me that padlocks are not particularly costly and that I might purchase one when I receive my allowance.
    After that, that the doors of the garage are already padlocked. I had given the garage little attention. Indeed, I had given it so little that I imagined it had been built to house a single automobile.
    That was an error. It is a three-car garage. There are two small (and very dirty) windows, but no entrance other than the three large doors intended to admit three automobiles. I tried to peer through the windows, but the interior was so dark that I could see nothing.
    No doubt it is empty--or full of rubbish. Still, one of those padlocks would be very useful once I have settled matters with the boy.
    Here, George, I had planned to give you the best of my news. I find, however, that my conscience will not permit it. Earlier I concealed something from you, knowing that you would not credit it.
    I told you about Winkle, the small creature--I cannot call her an animal--I discovered in a cage in the attic. I told you that indeed, but concealed the fact that she can speak.
    You have wadded this letter into a tight little ball and thrown it into your wastebasket. I know it. I can only hope that you will repent, smooth it out, and read the rest. In an hour, perhaps, or in a day or two.
    First, let me say that I am not mad, no matter what you may think. She speaks, and I hear her.
    Second, she is no chatterer. Her words are small and generally few.
    Third, I am not about to attempt to profit by her. I feel quite sure she would be like my ring. In the presence of others she would become (I believe) an ordinary fox, red with black markings. You need believe nothing of this, of course.
    Nor will you. If I had not known I would not be believed, I doubt that I would have told you.
    My great news is that she has shown herself again. I asked where she had been, and she said she had not left at all, only hidden. It seemed clear that she did not wish to reveal her hiding place, so I did not inquire.
    "It's wonderful to have you back again, Winkle. I've missed you."
    She climbed me, very quickly and easily, and laid her cheek against mine.
    "Are you hungry?"
    She shook her little head.
    "That's good because I have nothing to give you. We might fish in the river, though. Would you like that?"
    She nodded, and I carried her out the back door and put her down on the lawn. "Here's the circle where the dancers you showed me were. See the mushrooms?"
    "I thee . . ." Her voice is small and soft, but I thought she sounded thoughtful.
    "I've been running down to the river, then back to the house."
    She said nothing, so I added, "Three times. If I'm going to fight the boy again--"
    "One tho bad."
    "I know, and if I'm going to fight him again I need to be in condition, which is why I've been doing push-ups and running down to the water and back. I was resting when you came."
    She nodded, I suppose to