Ildefonse puffed out his cheeks. "I detect more than a trace of insolence in these rejoinders!"

"No matter," said Rhialto. "He has brought Sarsem, and this was the requirement. In the main, Osherl, you have done well!"

"And my indenture point?"

"Much depends upon Sarsem's testimony. Sarsem, will you sit?"

"In this guise, I find it more convenient to stand."

"Then why not alter to human form and join us in comfort at the table?"

"That is a good idea." Sarsem became a naked young epicene in an integument of lavender scales with puffs of purple hair like pompoms growing down his back. He seated himself at the table but declined refreshment. "This human semblance, though typical, is after all, only a guise. If I were to put such things inside myself, I might well become uneasy."

"As you like. Now to business. Where is the Blue Perciplex which you were required to guard?"

Sarsem asked cautiously: "You refer to the blue prism reposing on the pedestal? You will find such an object as sage as ever in its accustomed place."

"And why have you deserted your post?"

"Simplicity itself! One of your ilk delivered a new and official Perciplex to replace the obsolete version, which had lost its effect."

Rhialto gave a hollow laugh. "And how do you know this for a fact?"

"Through the assertion of your representative." Sarsem sprawled back in the chair. "As I now reflect on the matter, what with the sun's death only a jerk and a tinkle away, a new Perciplex seems a pointless refinement."

"So then: what next?"

"I pointed out the burden of guarding two sacred objects, rather than one. The new, so I was told, would occupy the place of the old, and your representative would take the old to a place of reverent safety. Meanwhile, my services were no longer required."

Rhialto leaned forward. "No doubt indenture points were discussed?"

"I recall some such discussion."

"To what number and to what degree?"

"An appreciable proportion: in fact, all."

"How is this possible when your chug ⁶ resides in my workroom?"

Sarsem scowled. "That is as may be."

Upon sudden thought Ildefonse lurched to his feet and departed the terrace. A moment later he returned, and threw himself down in his chair. With a bleak expression he said to Rhialto: "Sarsem's chug is gone. Have you ever heard the like?"

Rhialto reflected. "When might this event have taken place?"

"Evidently during the temporal stasis: when else?" Ildefonse turned upon Sarsem. "We have been victimized together! The reduction of your indenture points was unauthorized! You are the victim of a cruel joke! The reduction is null and void, and we have lost the Perciplex! Sarsem, I cannot commend your performance."

"Ha ha!" cried Sarsem, waving a pale lavender forefinger upon which glinted a silver fingernail. "There is more to come! I am not quite the fool you take me for!"

"How so, and in what regard?"

"I am that rare individual who can instantly scrutinize all sides of a situation! Without reference to my motives, I decided to retain the old Perciplex within the scope of my vigilance."