Read Wyst: Alastor 1716 for Free Online Page B

leave?”
    “Not enough! Only six hundred, or hopefully seven; still,
hope won’t mend machines.” He handed Jantiff a key. “Your roommate will show
you the wumper, and explain the rules. You’ll receive a drudge schedule this
afternoon.”
    Jantiff said tentatively: “I’d prefer a single apartment, if
any are available.”
    “You’ve got a single apartment,” said the clerk. “It comes
with two beds. If the population rises another billion well put in hammocks.
Floor 19, Apartment D 18. I’ll call up and mention that you’re coming.”
    The ascensor conveyed Jantiff to the nineteenth floor. He
found Corridor D and presently arrived at Apartment 18. He hesitated, raised
his hand to knock, then decided that under the circumstances he was entitled to
effect his own entry; accordingly he touched his key to the latch plate. The
door slid aside to reveal a sitting room furnished with a pair of low couches,
a table, a set of cases and a wall screen. A patterned beige and black rug covered
the floor; from the ceiling hung a dozen globes fashioned from wire and colored
paper. On one of the couches sat a man and a woman, both considerably older
than Jantiff.
    Jantiff stepped forward, feeling a trifle sheepish. “I’m Jantiff
Ravensroke, and I’ve been assigned to this apartment.”
    The man and the woman showed gracious smiles and jumped
smartly to their feet. (Later, when Jantiff recalled his sojourn at Uncibal, he
never failed to reflect upon the careful etiquette by which the Arrabins eased
the circumstances of their lives.)
    The man was tall and elegant, with a fine straight nose and
flashing eyes. He wore his black hair in glossy ear-puffs, with artful cusps
down the forehead; of the two he seemed the more forthright. He gave Jantiff a
friendly salute which conveyed nothing of the desk clerk’s disapproval. “Welcome
to Arrabus, Jantiff! Welcome to Old Pink and to this excellent apartment!”
    “Thank you very much,” said Jantiff. This affable and intelligent
man was evidently to be his roommate and Jantiff’s misgivings dissolved.
    “Allow me to perform the introductions. This lady is the
miraculous Skorlet, a person of charm and capability, and I am Esteban.”
    Skorlet spoke in a quick husky voice: “You seem clean and
quiet, and I’m sure that we’ll have no difficulties. Please don’t whistle in
the apartment, or inquire the purpose of my work more than once, or belch
loudly. I can’t abide a belching man.”
    With an effort Jantiff maintained his sangfroid. Here was a
situation which he, had not anticipated. With desperate facility he said: “I’ll
keep your remarks very much in mind.” He surveyed Skorlet from the corner of
his eye. An introverted woman, he thought, perhaps a bit tense. She stood
almost as tall as he was with rather heavy arms and legs. Her face was pale and
round; her features were unremarkable except for the eyes glowing under strong
black eyebrows. She wore her ear-puffs small, with black curls piled in a heap
above: a woman neither comely nor yet repulsive. She might not be so easy a roommate
as Esteban, however. He said: “I hope you won’t find me too difficult.”
    “I’m sure not. You seem a nice lad. Esteban, borrow three
mugs from the wumper;. I’ll pour out a taste of swill [11] to mark the occasion. You brought in a pack or two of bonter, or so I hope?”
    “Sorry,” said Jantiff. “The idea never occurred to me.”
    Esteban went off on his errand; Skorlet rummaged under the
case and brought out a jug. “Please don’t think me nonmutual. [12] I just can’t believe that an occasional jug, of swill will destroy Arrabus. You’re
sure there’s not even a trace of bonter in your luggage?”
    “I don’t carry any luggage; only this handbag.”
    “Pity. There’s nothing like pickles and pepper sausage to
advance the swill. While we’re waiting, I’ll show you your bed.”
    Jantiff followed her into a small square chamber, furnished
with two wardrobes,