Within was a stir, a slow sound of feet. From a room to the side came Lucounu, and Cugel thought to detect a change in his countenance. The great soft yellow head seemed looser than before: the jowls sagged, the nose hung like a stalactite, the chin was little more than a pimple below the great twitching mouth.

Lucounu wore a square brown hat with each of the corners tipped up, a blouse of brown and black diaper, loose pantaloons of a heavy dark brown stuff with black embroidery — a handsome set of garments which Lucounu wore without grace, as if they were strange to him, and uncomfortable; and indeed, he gave Cugel a greeting which Cugel found odd. “Well, fellow, what is your purpose? You will never learn to walk ceilings standing on your hands.” And Lucounu hid his mouth with his hands to conceal a snicker.

Cugel raised his eyebrows in surprise and doubt, “This is not my purpose. I have come on an errand of vast import: namely to report that the mission I undertook on your behalf is satisfactorily terminated.”

“Excellent!” cried Lucounu. “You may now tender me the keys to the bread locker.”

“‘Bread locker’!” Cugel stared in surprise. Was Lucounu mad? “I am Cugel, whom you sent north on a mission. I have returned with the magic cusp affording a view into the Overworld!”

“Of course, of course!” cried Lucounu. “‘Brzm-szzst,’ I fear I am vague, among so many contrasting situations; nothing is quite as before. But now I welcome you. Cugel, of course! All is clear. You have gone forth, you have returned! How is friend Firx? Well, I trust? I have longed for his companionship. An excellent fellow, Firx!”

Cugel acquiesced with no great fervor. “Yes, Firx has been a friend indeed, au unflagging source of encouragement”

“Excellent! Step within! I must provide refreshment! What is your preference: ‘sz-mzsm’ or ‘szk-zsm’?”

Cugel eyed Lucounu askance. His demeanor was more than peculiar, “I am familiar with neither of the items you mention, and hence will decline both with gratitude. But observe! The magic violet cusp!” And Cugel displayed the glass fabrication which he had procured only a few hours previously.

“Excellent!” declared Lucounu. “You have done well, and your transgressions — now I recall all, having sorted among the various circumstances — are hereby declared nullified. But give me the cusp! I must put it to trial!”

“Of course,” said Cugel. “I respectfully suggest, that in order to comprehend the full spendor of the Over-world, you bring forth your own cusp and look through both simultaneously. This is the only appropriate method.”

“True, how true! My cusp; now where did that stubborn rascal conceal it?”

“'Stubborn rascal?'” inquired Cugel. “Has someone been misarranging your valuables?”

“In a manner of speaking.” Lucounu gave a wild titter, and kicked up both feet far to the side, falling heavily to the floor, from where he addressed the astounded Cugel. “It is all one, and no longer of consequence, since al! must now transpire in the ‘muz’ pattern. Yes, I will shortly consult with Firx.”