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among the ruins. At other times one may hear the faint sound of singing, no
more than a whisper, apparently echoes of songs sung by the nymphs."
"If there were indeed efficacy to the waters," mused Cugel, "one would think
that Krisler and Ottleia and even the redoubtable Terlulia would make use of
the magic. Why do they not do so?"
"They claim that they want the men of Pompodouros to love them for their
spiritual qualities. It may be sheer obstinacy, or perhaps they have all
tested the springs, without effect. It is one of the great female mysteries."
"What of the spraling?"
"Everyone must eat."
The carriage entered the plaza and Cugel called the driver to a halt. "Which
of these avenues leads up to the Paphnissian Baths?"
The driver pointed. "Just along there and then five miles up the
mountainside."
"And what is your fee for the trip?"
"Ordinarily I charge three terces, but for persons of importance the fee is
occasionally somewhat higher."
"Well then, Soldinck has required me to escort Madame Soldinck to the
Baths and she prefers that we go alone, to minimize her embarrassment. I will
therefore hire the use of your carriage for ten terces, plus an additional
five terces to buy your beer during my absence. Soldinck will disburse this
sum upon his return from the hut of Terlulia."
79
"If he has the strength to lift his hand," grumbled the driver. "All fees
should be paid in advance."
"Here is your beer money, at least," said Cugel. "The rest must be collected
from Soldinck."
"It is irregular, but I suppose it will do. Observe then. This pedal
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ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
accelerates the vehicle. This lever brings it to a halt. Turn this wheel to
direct the vehicle in the way you wish to go. If the drogger squats to the
ground this lever drives a spur into its groin and it will leap forward with
renewed vigor."
"Clarity itself," said Cugel. "I will return your carriage to the rank in
front of the club-house."
Cugel drove the carriage to the wharf and halted beside the
Galante.
Madame Soldinck and her daughters sat in lounging-chairs on the quarter-
deck looking across the plaza and commenting upon the curious sights of the
town.
"Madame Soldinck!" called Cugel. "It is I, Fuscule, who have come to escort
you to the Baths of Paphnis. Are you ready? We must make haste, since the day
is drawing on!"
"I am quite ready. Is there room for all of us?"
"I am afraid not. The beast could not pull us up the mountain. Your daughters
must remain behind."
Madame Soldinck descended the gangplank and Cugel jumped to the ground.
'"Fuscule'?" mused Madame Soldinck. "I have heard your name but I
cannot place you."
"I am the nephew of Pulk the worminger. I am selling a worm to Master
Soldinck and I hope to become worminger aboard your ship."
"I see. Whatever the case, it is kind of you to take me on this excursion.
Will
I need special bathing clothes?"
"None are necessary. There is adequate seclusion, and garments diminish the
effect of the waters."
"Yes, that seems reasonable."
Cugel assisted Madame Soldinck into the carriage, then climbed into the
driver's seat. He thrust down the accelerator pedal and the carriage rolled
off across the plaza.
Cugel followed the road up the mountainside. Pompodouros fell below, then
disappeared among the stony hills. Thick black sedge to either side gave off a
sharp aromatic odor and it became clear to Cugel where the folk of the island
derived the raw material for their beer.
The road at last turned off into a dreary little meadow. Cugel halted the
carriage to rest the drogger. Madame Soldinck called out in a reedy voice:
"Are
80
we almost to the fountain? Where is the temple which shelters the baths?"
"There is still some distance to go,' said Cugel.
"Truly? Fuscule, you should have provided a more comfortable carriage.
This vehicle bounces and jounces as if I were riding a board being dragged
over the rocks, nor is there protection from the dust."
Swinging around in his scat, Cugel spoke severely: "Madame Soldinck, please
put aside your complaints, as they grate on the nerves. In fact, there is more
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