instrument’s on board our ship, along with the rest of our
personal effects.”
“Is it, now?” Corroboc was sweating him with that one
piercing eye. “I expect we’ll find it in due course. You in
a rush to demonstrate your talents?”
“At your leisure, sir.” Jon-Tom felt the back of his
indigo shirt beginning to cling damply to his skin. “It’s
only that it’s a fine instrument. I’d hate to see one of your
refined crew reduce it to kindling in hopes of finding gold
or jewels inside. They wouldn’t.”
Corroboc snorted. “Rest assured they’ll mind their stink-
ing manners.” He addressed the leopard. “Take ’em
below and lock ’em in the brig. Let them stew there for a
bit.”
“These two also?” Sasheem pointed to Jalwar and
Mudge.
“Aye, the bilges will wait. Let them share each other’s
filth for a while. By the time I decide to let them out
they’ll be clamorin’ to get to work.”
This sophisticated sally brought appreciative laughter
from the crew as they sloughed away to their posts. The
pirate ship turned westward with the sloop trailing obediently
behind it.
As they were herded below, Jon-Tom had his first
glimpse of the rowers. Most were naked save for their own
THE DAY OF THJE DISSONANCE
115
fur. They were a cross section of species, from humans to
rodents. All exhibited the last stages of physical and
mental degeneration.
That’s where we’ll all end up, on the rowing benches,
he thought tiredly. Unless we can figure out some way out
of this.
At the moment, entry into paradise seemed the more
likely route. If he could only get his hands on his duar,