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would be responsible. Remember what happened with Michel Ard Rhi? Remember how close you came
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to being hurt? I was scared to death for you! I cannot take a chance that such a thing might happen again.
We have to say goodbye now. Here, at your house, where we know you are safe. Please, Elizabeth.
She took a moment to consider the matter and then nodded. Okay, Abernathy. Still upset, defensive,
angry. I guess. She sighed. Well, at least you re a man again, aren t you? At least you re not a dog
anymore.
Abernathy smiled bravely. Yes, at least I m not a dog.
They finished breakfast in silence.
In an effort to find out what had become of Poggwydd, Elizabeth called the King County police, who
referred her to King County animal control, who in turn referred her to the King County animal shelter on
Elliott. Because no one had been certain what Poggwydd was and therefore what to do with him, the
G home Gnome had been passed from hand to hand like an old shoe. The final result was temporary as
well, she discovered when she spoke with one of the animal shelter employees. A zoologist from
Woodland Park and an anthropologist from the University of Washington were both due to pay a visit
later that morning. Territorial disputes would be resolved, and Poggwydd would be sent one place or the
other for further study.
Elizabeth hung up the phone, gave her report, and said, You d better hurry.
A taxi was called to spirit Abernathy and Questor Thews to their destination at the animal shelter.
Elizabeth gave them money for the fare. She stood with them at the end of the walk until the cab arrived,
giving them final words of caution and encouragement and providing her phone number in case things
went horribly wrong and it turned out they needed her after all, secretly hoping they would, hoping they
would find some way to come back but knowing they wouldn t. When the cab arrived, she hugged them
both and wished them a safe journey. She kissed Abernathy on the cheek and told him that he was her
best friend, even if he was from another world, and that she would always wait for him because she knew
that someday he would come back. Abernathy said he would try. He said he would never forget her. She
cried in spite of saying that she wouldn t, and Abernathy had to work hard at not crying with her.
Then Questor and Abernathy were off, speeding down four- and five-lane highways, zipping around
other vehicles, barely missing all sorts of obstacles and barriers. They crossed a bridge, turned down a
ramp-way, sped along a two-lane roadway at a slightly slower speed, and wheeled into a parking area
next to a brown brick building with a sign that read King County Animal Shelter.
They gave Elizabeth s money to the cab driver, stepped back onto solid ground with an unmistakable
sense of relief, and headed inside. The walk diverged, and there were entries at either end. They went left
through a door to a desk where a bored-looking employee sent them outside again and down the walk to
the other door. At the second desk a young woman in a uniform looked up expectantly as they entered.
Professor Adkins? Mr. Drozkin? she greeted them.
Questor recognized an opportunity when he saw one. He smiled and nodded.
The young woman looked relieved. Do you have any idea what this thing is? she asked. No one here
has ever seen anything like it. It s giving us fits! I ve tried everything we all have but we can t even get
close. After the police brought it in, I removed the restraints and it tried to take my hand off. And it eats
everything! Do you know what it is?
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I have a pretty good idea, Questor Thews said. Can we have a look?
Of course; right this way. She was eager to accommodate them, to rid herself of the burden of
Poggwydd. Abernathy understood perfectly.
She brought them around the counter to a heavy metal door, which she unlocked and swung open. From
there she led them down a hallway into an area of cages. At the far end was Poggwydd, slumped down
at the back of the largest cage. His clothing was torn, and his fur was caked with grime and sweat. Cuts
and scratches marked him from head to foot, and his tongue was hanging out. He looked, even for a
G home Gnome, decidedly miserable.
When he saw them, he leapt to his feet and attacked the cage with a vengeance that was astonishing. He
shook and rattled and bit at the heavy wire in a frenzy, trying to get at them.
He s gotten even worse! the young woman declared in astonishment. I d better tranquilize him right
now!
No, let s wait on that, please, Questor interrupted hurriedly. I d like simply to observe him for now. I
don t want him sedated. Can you leave us for a few minutes... I m sorry, I don t know your name.
Beckendall. Lucy Beckendall. She reached out her hand, and he shook it cordially, not bothering with
an introduction on his end because he had already forgotten who he was supposed to be.
A few minutes? he repeated helpfully. We can just stand here and have a good long look.
Poggwydd was racing up and down the wire, showing all his teeth, shaking his fist, desperately trying to
speak.
Of course, she agreed. I ll be right outside. Just call if you need me.
They waited until she went back through the heavy door and closed it securely behind her. Questor
looked at Abernathy, then stepped close to the cage.
Stop that! he snapped at Poggwydd. Behave yourself and listen to me! Do you want out of there or
not?
Poggwydd, worn out anyway, dropped to the floor and stood glaring at him. It was very close and
antiseptic in the room. Abernathy pictured himself locked away in there for a full day and was suddenly
sympathetic toward the Gnome in spite of himself.
Now, listen! Questor addressed Poggwydd firmly. There is no point in leaping about like that! We
came for you as soon as we could, as soon as we found out where you were!
Poggwydd gestured toward his mouth in frustration.
Oh, of course, you want to say something, Questor furrowed his brow fiercely. Just keep your voice
down when you speak so you can t be heard or I ll silence you again. Understood?
The G home Gnome nodded blackly. Questor spoke some words in a low voice, made a gesture, and
Poggwydd s voice came back with a gasp.
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You certainly took your time! he said. I might have died in here! Those people are animals!
Questor inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment. I apologize. But now here we are. We have
come to get you out and take you back to Landover.
The Gnome s face scrunched into a mass of angry wrinkles. Well maybe I don t want to go! Maybe
I ve had quite enough of you, Questor Thews! And your friend!
Don t be ridiculous! You want to stay in there?
No, I don t want to stay in here! I want out! But once I m out, I want to go back on my own. I can find
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