At first the maiden seemed indisposed to respond, then said in a resigned voice: "My secrets are no longer of consequence. In my personal thought-language I have named myself 'Furud Dawn-stuff or 'Exquisite Dawn-thing.' At my school I won a credential as 'Sha-lukhe' or 'Expert Water-Swimmer' and this was used as my friend-name."

"That seems a good name, and it is the name I will use, unless you prefer otherwise."

The maiden showed him a dreary smile. "I no longer have the status to command the luxury of preference."

Rhialto found the concept complex but comprehensible. "It is true that 'innate quality' and 'merit derived from bold assertion' must be the source of your self-esteem. You shall be known as Shalukhe the Survivor; is not that a prideful condition?"

"Not particularly, since your help alone saved my life."

Osherl, overhearing the remark, ventured a comment: "Nevertheless, your tactics are instinctively correct. To deal with Rhialto the Marvellous, and here I allude to your host and the conservator of my indenture, you must fuel the fires of his bloated vanity. Exclaim upon his handsome countenance; feign awe at his wisdom; he will be putty in your hands."

Rhialto said in a measured voice: "Osherl's mood is often acerb; despite his sarcasm, I will be happy to earn your good opinion."

Shalukhe the Swimmer could not restrain her amusement. "You have already gained it, Sir Rhialto! I am also grateful to Osherl for his assistance."

"Bah!" said Rhialto. "He felt greater concern for the hunger of poor Doulka."

"Not so!" cried Osherl. "That was just my little joke!"

"In any event, and if you will forgive me the presumption of asking: what is to become of me now?"

"When our business here is done, we shall return to Almery, and talk further of the matter. As for now, you may regard yourself as my subaltern, and you are assigned to the supervision of Osherl. See that he is at all times neat, alert and courteous!"

Again half-smiling, Shalukhe appraised Osherl. "How can I supervise someone so clever?"

"Simplicity itself! If he shirks, speak only two words: 'indenture points.' "

Osherl uttered a hollow laugh. "Already Rhialto the Marvellous works his supple wiles."

Rhialto paid no heed. He reached down, took her hands and pulled her erect. "And now: to work! Are you less distraught than before?"

"Very much so! Rhialto, I thank you for your kindness."

"Shalukhe the Swimmer, or Dawn-thing, or however you will be called: a shadow still hangs over you, but it is a pleasure to see you smile."

Osherl spoke in the language of the 21st Aeon: "Physical contact has been made, and the program now enters its second phase. . . . Such a poor torn little wretch, how could she resist Rhialto?"

"Your experience is limited," said Rhialto. "It is more a case of 'How could Rhialto resist such a poor torn little wretch?"

The girl looked from one to the other, hoping to divine the sense of the interchange. Rhialto spoke out: "Now, to our business! Osherl, take the pleurmalion—" he handed the object to Osherl "—then climb above the clouds to locate the sky-spot. From a point directly below, lower a heavy flashing red lantern on a long cord until it hangs close above the Perciplex. The day is windless and accuracy should be fine."