«Good work,» Jack replied. «How does this affect your calculations?»

«Hard to say. I'm going to think about it, and then I'll need to do some walking.»

«Still early in the Game,» he said. «You know how the picture can change.»

«True,» I replied. «But at least we're somewhat better-informed than we were. Of course, we must check the content of the crypt by day, to be certain. I think I can persuade Graymalk to do that.»

«Not Quicklime?»

«I trust the cat more. I'd rather share information with her, if it must be shared.»

«You know her persuasion, then?»

I shook my head.

«No, I'm just going by my feelings.»

«Has she spoken of her mistress, Jill?»

«Not in any detail.»

«I believe the lady is younger than she causes herself to appear.»

«That may be. I just don't know. I haven't met her.»

«I have. Let me know if the cat talks party politics.»

«I will, but she won't, not unless I do, and I'm not about to.»

«You're the best judge of that situation.»

«Yes. Neither of us has anything to gain by volunteering information at this time. But we might stand to lose something in the way of cooperation. Unless you've some overriding need for the information that I don't know about. In that case, though… .»

«I understand. No. Let it be. Have you learned it for any of the others?»

«No. Are we going out tonight?»

«No. We're set, for now. Have you any plans?»

«A little calculation and a lot of rest.»

«Sounds like a good idea.»

«Do you remember that time in Dijon, when that lady from the other side managed to distract you?»

«It's hard to forget. Why do you ask?»

«No special reason. Just reminiscing. Good night, Jack.»

I moved to my favorite corner and settled with my head upon my paws.

«'Night, Snuff.»