e organs, and to make
up for the deficiency you have been obliged to call in the assistance of
stones and metals. That's by no means a sign of superiority."

"No, I suppose not," said Maskull, "but I see I have a great deal to
unlearn."

They talked together a little longer, and then gradually fell asleep.
Joiwind opened her eyes, smiled, and slumbered again.

Chapter 8. THE LUSION PLAIN

Maskull awoke before the others. He got up, stretched himself, and
walked out into the sunlight. Branchspell was already declining. He
climbed to the top of the crater edge and looked away toward Ifdawn. The
afterglow of Alppain had by now completely disappeared. The mountains
stood up wild and grand.

They impressed him like a simple musical theme, the notes of which
are widely separated in the scale; a spirit of rashness, daring, and
adventure seemed to call to him from them. It was at that moment that
the determination flashed into his heart to walk to the Marest and
explore its dangers.

He returned to the cavern to say good-by to his hosts.

Joiwind looked at him with her brave and honest eyes. "Is this
selfishness, Maskull?" she asked, "or are you drawn by something
stronger than yourself?"

"We must be reasonable," he answered, smiling. "I can't settle down in
Poolingdred before I have found out something about this surprising
new planet of yours. Remember what a long way I have come.... But very
likely I shall come back here."

"Will you make me a promise?"

Maskull hesitated. "Ask nothing difficult, for I hardly know my powers
yet."

"It is not hard, and I wish it. Promise this--never to raise your hand
against a living creature, either to strike, pluck, or eat, without
first recollecting its mother, who suffered for it."

"Perhaps I won't promise that," said Maskull slowly, "but I'll undertake
something more tangible. I will never lift my hand against a living
creature without first recollecting you, Joiwind."

She turned a little pale. "Now if Panawe knew that Panawe existed, he
might be jealous."

Panawe put his hand on her gently. "You would not talk like that in
Shaping's presence," he said.

"No. Forgive me! I'm not quite myself. Perhaps it is Maskull's blood in
my veins.... Now let us bid him adieu. Let us pray that he will do only
honourable deeds, wherever he may be."

"I'll set Maskull on his way," said Panawe.

"There's no need," replied Maskull. "The way is plain."

"But talking shorten