ong to life, while Muspel is above life."

"I give you all other men," said Sullenbode. "Maskull is mine."

"No. I am not here to help Maskull to a lover but to remind him of the
existence of nobler things."

"You are a good man. But you two alone will never strike the road to
Adage."

"Are you acquainted with it?"

Again the woman gripped Maskull's arm. "What is love--which Corpang
despises?"

Maskull looked at her attentively. Sullenbode went on, "Love is that
which is perfectly willing to disappear and become nothing, for the sake
of the beloved."

Corpang wrinkled his forehead. "A magnanimous female lover is new in my
experience."

Maskull put him aside with his hand, and said to Sullenbode, "Are you
contemplating a sacrifice?"

She gazed at her feet, and smiled. "What does it matter what my thoughts
are? Tell me, are you starting at once, or do you mean to rest first?
It's a rough road to Adage."

"What's in your mind?" demanded Maskull.

"I will guide you a little. When we reach the ridge between Sarclash and
Adage, perhaps I shall turn back."

"And then?"

"Then if the moon shines perhaps you will arrive before daybreak, but if
it is dark it's hardly likely."

"That's not what I meant. What will become of you after we have parted
company?"

"I shall return somewhere--perhaps here."

Maskull went close up to her, in order to study her face better. "Shall
you sink back into--the old state?"

"No, Maskull, thank heaven."

"Then how will you live?"

Sullenbode calmly removed the hand which he had placed on her arm. There
was a sort of swirling flame in her eyes. "And who said I would go on
living?"

Maskull blinked at her in bewilderment. A few moments passed before he
spoke again. "You women are a sacrificing lot. You know I can't leave
you like this."

Their eyes met. Neither withdrew them, and neither felt embarrassed.

"You will always be the most generous of men, Maskull. Now let us go....
Corpang is a single-minded personage, and the least we others--who
aren't so single-minded--can do is to help him to his destination. We
mustn't inquire whether the destination of single-minded men is as a
rule worth arriving at."

"If it is good for Maskull, it will be good for me."

"Well, no vessel can hold more than its appointed measure."

Corpang gave a wry smile. "During your long sleep you appear to have
picked up wisdom."

"Yes, Corpang, I have met many men, and explored many minds