Ildefonse responded in measured tones: "The answer is both 'yes' and 'no.' "

"Interesting," said Rhialto.

Ildefonse selected his words with care. "Before I elaborate, let me ask this: have you ever before heard this, let us say, 'shadow music'?"

"Never."

"And its purport was—?"

"Indescribable. Neither tragic nor gay; sweet, yet wry and bitter."

"Did you perceive a melody, or theme, or even a progression, which might give us a clue?"

"Only a hint. If you will allow me a trifle of preciosity, it filled me with a yearning for the lost and unattainable."

"Aha!" said Ildefonse. "And the woman? Something must have identified her as the Murthe?"

Rhialto considered. "Her pallor and silver hair might have been that of a forest wefkin, in the guise of an antique nymph. Her beauty was real, but I felt no urge to embrace her. I daresay all might have changed upon better acquaintance."

"Hmmf. Your elegant airs, so I suspect, will carry small weight with the Murthe. . . . When did her identity occur to you?"

"I became certain as I slogged home, water squelching in my boots. My mood was glum; perhaps the squalm was starting its work. In any case, woman and music came together in my mind and the name evolved. Once home I instantly read Calanctus and took advice. The squalm apparently was real. Today I was finally able to call on you."

"You should have called before, though I have had similar problems. . . . What is that irksome noise?"

Rhialto looked along the road. "Someone is approaching in a vehicle. ... It appears to be Zanzel Melancthones."

"And what is that strange bounding thing behind him?"

Rhialto craned his neck. "It is unclear. . . .We shall soon find out."

Along the road, rolling at speed on four tall wheels, came a luxurious double-divan of fifteen golden-ocher cushions. A man-like creature attached by a chain ran behind in the dust.

Rising to his feet, Ildefonse held up his hand. "Halloa, Zanzel! It is I, Ildefonse! Where do you go in such haste? Who is that curious creature coursing so fleetly behind?"

Zanzel brought the vehicle to a halt. "Ildefonse, and dear Rhialto: how good to see you both! I had quite forgotten that this old road passes by Falu, and I discover it now to my pleasure."

"It is our joint good fortune!" declared Ildefonse. "And your captive?''

Zanzel glanced over his shoulder. "We have here an insidiator: that is my reasoned opinion. I am taking him to be executed where his ghost will bring me no bad luck. What of yonder meadow? It is safely clear of my domain."

"And hard on my own," growled Rhialto. "You must find a spot convenient to us both."

"What of me?" cried the captive. "Have I nothing to say in the matter?"

"Well then, convenient to the three of us."

"Just a moment, before you prosecute your duties," said Ildefonse. "Tell me more of this creature."