Read Online The Pixilated Peeress by L. Sprague de Camp, Catherine Crook de Camp - Free Book Online Page B

to restore Yvette to her winsome former self. You, Sergeant, have seven hundred- odd marks on deposit with Banker Vi rus, saved up for your tuition. And you, Doctor Bardi, have at least fifteen thousand in the hoard you secrete in your house."
     
                  "How knew you?" blurted Thorolf.
     
                  "Ah, what good were my arcane powers if I kept not abreast of my clients' affairs? Adding the sums from the coronet and your respective assets, that gives a total of about thirty thousand marks. Not nearly enough, I fear."
     
                  Thorolf bristled. "Meanst that you'd leave her in her polypose form if we cannot raise money beyond all we own?"
     
                  "My dear fellow! Take not so rigid a view. With a little adjustment, I am sure we can come to an amicable arrangement. I know somewhat of Yvette of Grintz, whose presence w ould much enhance my following. There is no rush about paying me all at once. I shall expect payment in in stallments of, let us say, one-tenth at a time, to allow you gentlemen time to arrange for loans.
     
                  "Meanwhile I shall keep Yvette here. Come back in a fortnight, with the first installment, and you shall find her restored. But she will not return to you until you have met the full cost of this difficult operation."
     
                  Thorolf thought privately that anyone who tried to hold Yvette against her will would find his work cut out for him. He said: "How would you stop her from leav ing the castle?"
     
                  "Not by bars and shackles, I do assure you. She will understand that she owes it to me to remain here until the costs of the operation be met. The total reckoning will be — ah — thirty-five thousand marks."
     
                  "Ye'd beggar us!" grumbled Bardi.
     
                  "I am truly sorry, but this cannot be helped. Without resources I cannot carry on my great work for the ben efit of mankind. Let it be agreed that one or the other shall return a fortnight hence with the first payment, thirty-five hundred marks, in good Rhaetian gold or sil ver." Orlandus rose. "Now let us part so that I can begin the arduous and costly preparations."
     
                  Taking each visitor by the elbow, Orlandus steered them to th e gate, talking smoothly the while: "After this affair be wound up, my good Sergeant, I should welcome you as a subject for my mind-enhancing treat ment. I do perceive you to be a man of great potential, combining the body of a mighty warrior with the min d of a scholar. This is a rare blend; we might even make a diaphane of you, could you stay the course."
     
                  "Gramercy for your compliments," said Thorolf. "But do your treatments require more money?"
     
                  "Certes! We cannot conduct this world-saving insti tution and maintain our headquarters and laboratories on air. But I am sure that arrangements can be effected, once you are enrolled amongst the followers of Sophonomy. We can rid you of all the fears and guilts accumulated in previous lives."
     
                  "For now," said Thorolf, "my obligation is to the Commonwealth and its Constitution. I'll do nought that conflicts with those."
     
                  "But of course, my dear fellow! Many of my people also give loyal service to the Commonwealth in various capacities." He spoke to a gate guard : "Where is the cart these gentlemen brought that tub in?"
     
                  "The carter returned and drave it off, Master," said the guard, placing a hand over his heart and bowing.
     
                  "Good! We are scrupulous in such affairs. We shall discuss these matters further. Sergeant. And now, my friends, farewell. Remember, a fortnight hence!"
     
    -
     
                  Leading his horse. Thorolf arrived at the