Shortly thereafter, Kheem awoke, bright-eyed, and asked for food. Masha coveredher with kisses, and, weeping joyfully, prepared breakfast. Smhee left. He wouldbe back before noon. But he gave her five shaboozh and some lesser coin. Mashawakened her mother, gave her the money, and told her that she would be gone fora few days. Wallu wanted to question her, but Masha told her sternly that shewould be better off if she knew no more than she did now.
'If Eevroen wants to know where I am, tell him that I have been called tohelp deliver a rich farmer's baby. If he asks for the man's name, tell himit is Shkeedur sha-Mizl. He lives far out and only comes into town twice a yearexcept on special business. It doesn't matter that it's a lie. By the time I getback it'll be soon - we'll be leaving at once. Have everything we'll need for along journey packed into that bag. Just clothes and eating utensils and themedicine. If Kheem has a relapse, give her Smhee's powders.'
Wallu wailed then, and Masha had to quiet her down.
'Hide the money. No! Leave one shaboozh where Eevroen will find it when he looksfor money. Conceal the rest where he can't find it. He'll take the shaboozh andgo out to drink, and you won't be bothered with him or his questions.'
When the flaming brass bowl of the noon sun had reached its apex, Smhee came.His eyes looked very red, but he didn't act fatigued. He carried a carpet bagfrom which he produced two dark cloaks, two robes, and the masks which thepriests of Shalpa wore in public.
He said, 'How did you get rid of your mother and the children?'
'A neighbour is keeping the children until mother gets back from shopping,' shesaid. 'Eevroen still hasn't shown up.'.
'Nor will he for a long time,' Smhee said. 'I dropped a coin as I passed him