"In what manner?"
"Obviously, it must be in a manner knowable only to one who hasexperience of the human condition."
"There is a flaw somewhere in your logic, Mordel, and I shall find it."
"I will wait."
"If your major premise is correct," said Frost after awhile, "then I donot comprehend art."
"It must be correct, for it is what human artists have said of it.Tell me, did you experience feelings as you painted, or after you hadfinished?"
"No."
"It was the same to you as designing a new machine, was it not? Youassembled parts of other things you knew into an economic pattern, tocarry out a function which you desired."
"Yes."
"Art, as I understand its theory, did not proceed in such a manner.The artist often was unaware of many of the features and effects whichwould be contained within the finished product. You are one of Man'slogical creations; art was not."
"I cannot comprehend non-logic."
"I told you that Man was basically incomprehensible."
"Go away, Mordel. Your presence disturbs my processing."
"For how long shall I stay away?"
"I will call you when I want you."
After a week, Frost called Mordel to him.
"Yes, mighty Frost?"
"I am returning to the North Pole, to process and formulate. I willtake you wherever you wish to go in this hemisphere and call you againwhen I want you."
"You anticipate a somewhat lengthy period of processing and formulation?"
"Yes."
"Then leave me here. I can find my own way home."
Frost closed the compartment and rose into the air, departing the valley.
"Fool," said Mordel, and swivelled his turret once more toward theabandoned painting.
His keening whine filled the valley. Then he waited.