Yorick chuckled. “He’ll be pretty easy to spot. Giles Sans Pitié caught up with him about eight years ago and put a notch in his forehead with that metal fist of his before he could escape. That’s how Billy got his name; Orpheus thought it looked like a third eye.”

“How many cities are there on Safe Harbor?”

“None,” replied Yorick. “None none nine none nine none.”

“Suck on the seed again,” said Cain. “You’re drifting.”

Yorick sucked noisily, and his eyes became clear once more. “No cities at all,” he said lazily. “There are two or three little villages. Most of the people are farmers. Just make the rounds of the local taverns; he’ll be in one of them.” He paused. “Do you need any more?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Good.” Yorick smiled. “It’s starting to wear off. It’ll be gone in another couple of minutes unless I bite the seed.”

Cain got to his feet. “Thanks,” he said.

“Anything for the Songbird.”

Cain walked to the door, then turned to the Swagman, who remained where he was, leaning comfortably against a filthy wall.

“Come on,” he said.

“You go ahead,” said the Swagman. “I’ve got a little business to talk over with friend Yorick.”

“I’ll wait downstairs.”

The Swagman shook his head. “It could take days to consummate.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” demanded Cain.

“I want to commission some paintings.”

“Then do it and let’s get out of here.”

“You’ve seen him,” said the Swagman. “If I’m going to get what I want, I’m going to have to nursemaid him while he works.”

“Suit yourself,” said Cain. “But I’m not hanging around this pigsty while you add to your collection.”

“You go ahead to Safe Harbor,” said the Swagman. “I’ll charter a ship and join you there.”

“If I walk out of this hotel alone, the partnership’s over,” said Cain.

“If you kill Santiago before I catch up with you, the partnership’s over,” agreed the Swagman. “But if I get to you before you reach him, it’s in force again.”

“For half the original deal.”

“You have no use for what I want,” said the Swagman.

“I’ll find a use.”

The Swagman looked perturbed. “Safe Harbor is just another stop along the way. You still need me.”

“Not as much as you need me,” said Cain. He frowned. “What brought this about, anyway? How much can his paintings be worth?”

“Not as much as Santiago, I’ll admit,” said the Swagman. “But Yorick’s here now, and Santiago could still be years away. I’ll catch up with you.”

“For half.”

The Swagman sighed. “For half.” He paused. “If you leave Safe Harbor before I get there, leave a message telling me where to find you.”

“Leave it where?”

“If you don’t find anyone you can trust, have Schussler send it back to Goldenrod.”