Ecce and Old Earth (54 page)

'' ‘Dear Eustace:’

‘To my intense surprise I came upon these papers mixed among a random lot I picked up at auction for practically nothing. The documents, however, are of incalculable value. In fact, they convey title to the planet Cadwal.’

‘The nominal owner is the Naturalist Society and if it were an active responsible entity I would instantly return the papers to what must be considered their rightful owner. However, I have made inquiries and I discover that this would be a most unwise course of action. The Society is moribund; its membership is senile and its officers, with one or two exceptions, are dilettantes. In short, the Naturalist Society is dying if not dead, but not yet aware of the fact.’

‘The Cadwal Conservancy is an institution of which I approve. However, as I write, death is approaching me no less definitely than it is overtaking the Naturalist Society. Therefore, I am appointing you the custodian of these documents, until they can be transferred into the secure keeping of a new and revitalized Naturalist Society, or its successor – always toward the goal of ensuring the integrity and permanency of the Cadwal Conservancy.’

'My only specific instructions are these: do not allow well-meaning but impractical theoreticians to exert any control over you; make sure that your associates are competent experienced and tolerant folk, without ideological axes to grind.’

‘If you feel that the task I have imposed upon you is beyond your capability, carefully select some mature person whose dedication to the ideals of conservancy is beyond question, and turn the task over to him, or her.’

‘Essentially, you must fly this one by the seat of your pants – as I know you will do in any case, no matter how solemn my instructions and how earnest my warnings.’

'I take this means for transferring the documents to you for several reasons, one being that when I die and you are not at hand, any property I bequeath to you will cheerfully be expropriated by your brothers and cousins, aunts, uncles, mother and father. Or it will be stored in the barn along with the stuffed animals. I have written you letters at several of your addresses instructing you to look in a place whereof you know for something of value; one of the letters should reach you and, so I believe, will lead you to these documents. Goodbye, or so I fear Eustace. I am not afraid of death; I just don’t think I will like it very much.’

‘Floyd Swaner' “

Wayness looked at Glawen. “That is the lot.”

“Grandpa Swaner’s ideas are much like our own, which means that we are spared the need for ignoring them.”

“Which makes things easier for everyone,” said Wayness, “including Chilke, since we can quite justifiably take his cooperation for granted, and assume that he would instantly transfer the documents to us.”

“Chilke will be happy that his duties have been discharged so easily. Still, it would be nice to name something after him: a swamp, a bird, a mountain, or even the new labor camp at Cape Journal: the 'Eustace B. Chilke Memorial Penitentiary'.“

“Chilke might like it better without the ‘Memorial’.“

“Probably so.”

At Largo the two took lodging at the Old River Inn overlooking the wide Sippewissa River. Wayness immediately telephoned Pirie Tamm at Fair Winds.

“Wayness!” cried Pirie Tamm. “This is a surprise indeed! Where are you?” “On the way back from Bangalore. My studies have gone well; I have learned seven new vibrations.”

Pirie Tamm said cautiously: “I'm sure it will all be very helpful.”

“The Pandit is pleased with my progress. He feels that my feet are pointed in the right direction, at the very least."

“Knowing the Pandit, I consider that high praise," said Pirie Tamm dryly. “You are on your way to Fair Winds?"

“Yes, with a friend. I thought I should forewarn you. Will it be convenient?"

“Of course. Who is the friend?"

“It’s a long story and it will keep until we see you. What has been happening at Fair Winds?”

Pirie Tamm was silent a moment, and seemed to calculate his response. He spoke in a careful voice: “My health is good, and my hip is definitely on the mend. The rhododendrons are putting on a spectacular show; Challis is green with envy, since she considers hers supreme in the field. I have seen nothing of Julian Bohost, which is just as well. The man is a pest and insufferable as well. What else has been going on? Let me see. For some strange reason the Society is enjoying quite an upsurge of interest; during the last month I have enrolled over twenty new members.”

Wayness studied Pirie Tamm's face. She spoke enthusiastically. “That is really good news, Uncle Pirie!

We can only hope that the trend continues!"

“Just so,” said Pirie Tamm. “It is all quite extraordinary! And I must consult the by-laws to assure myself on one or two small points. When will you be arriving at Fair Winds?"

“Just a moment,” Uncle Pirie “let me consult my friend. We may have some business to transact along the way.” Wayness moved off the screen. Pirie Tamm heard muffled voices. He waited. Wayness returned. “Uncle Pirie, we have decided to stop over for a day or two at Shillaway and we urgently want you to join us there.”

“That is no problem,” said Pirie Tamm. “I shall enjoy the excursion. Where shall we meet, and when?”

“We travel tomorrow, so it will be the morning after. We will stop at your favorite hotel; I forget the name at the moment, but no matter it will come to me in a moment. Until the morning of the day after tomorrow, then!”

“Until then! I am anxious to hear your news!”

III
.

Glawen and Wayness arrived at Shillaway during the small hours of the night. They went directly to the Sheldon Hotel and slept until nine o'clock, when they received a call from Pirie Tamm. “Perhaps this is early, perhaps not, since I do not know what you have in mind. In any case, I prefer to err on the side of promptitude."

“Quite right, Uncle Pirie!” said Wayness. “We have much to talk about and many things to do. But for now you might like to know that we have been successful in our quest. We have everything we set out to look for.”

“That is very good news! But who is the ‘we’?”

“Glawen Clattuc is with me.”

“Aha! So that is how the wind blows! Well, I am not at all surprised. In any case, I will be happy to see him again."

“Meet us in the lobby; we'll be down in five minutes."

The three breakfasted and spoke together at length.

Glawen and Wayness reported upon their adventures; Pirie Tamm spoke of his own fears and speculations.

“It is clear that Julian is up to mischief," said Wayness.

“We still can't relax."

“Especially since Julian is working with Smonny."

Wayness' mouth drooped. “But that’s not certain, or is it?”

“Either Namour or Smonny sent Benjamie to Araminta Station. Here on Earth Julian was directed to the Shoup Art Supply by Ma Chilke, but Benjamie was the one who romanced Miss Shoup and then went out to Nion. That indicates a connection between Julian and Smonny. It's probably only temporary, since Smonny and the LPF are ultimately pulling in different directions. But for now I imagine that each wants to make use of the other.”

Wayness jumped up. “Why are we delaying here? Let’s get this thing over as quickly as possible, before someone tries to interfere."

"You are making me nervous." Glawen rose to his feet. "The sooner we accomplish our business the better."

“Very well," said Pirie Tamm. “Today we witness the end of an era."

IV.

Pirie Tamm, Wayness and Glawen returned to Fair Winds, arriving late in the afternoon.

“It is too late to arrange a full-scale banquet," said Pirie Tamm. “The occasion, of course, demands nothing less, but we shall content ourselves with a festive dinner."

“Just as well,” said Wayness. “I could not work up the proper jubilation. Also, Glawen would not be permitted to sit at the table, since he has nothing to wear except the clothes he is standing in.”

Pirie Tamm summoned Agnes. “This is Glawen Clattuc,” he said. “Do we have any decent clothes in the spare wardrobe to fit him?”

“I'm sure we do, sir. If the gentleman will come will: me, we'll have a look.”

“Also, tell Cook to expect three for dinner. Perhaps she will roast some plump ducklings with plum sauce, or a nice joint of beef. Nothing elaborate, you understand.”

“Very good, sir. I will give her the message.”

Glawen and Wayness bathed and dressed in fresh garments. They descended to find Pirie Tamm waiting for them in the drawing room. “It is a bit brisk out on the verandah, and sunset is a good half-hour past. Therefore, we will take our sherry indoors this evening. Wayness, as I recall, you are partial to the Fino.”

“It’s all good, Uncle Pirie."

“That is my opinion as well. Glawen, do you like sherry, or would you prefer something else?”

“Sherry will do nicely, thank you.”

The three seated themselves. Pirie Tamm held aloft his glass. “It seems fitting that we should take this occasion to salute the noble Naturalist Society, which functioned such long centuries with grace and dignity, and commanded the genius of so many extraordinary men!” Pirie Tamm paused to reflect. “It is perhaps a rather lugubrious toast, but I offer it nevertheless, in the same reverent spirit which the ancient druithines sang their paeans of catharsis.”

“Let us know when we can drink,” said Wayness.

“Now!” said Pirie Tamm. “To the Naturalist Society!”

Glawen proposed a second toast. "To the intrepid and incomparable Wayness!”

“It may not be in the best taste, but I'll drink anyway,” said Wayness. “To myself!”

Pirie Tamm refilled the glasses. Wayness proposed a toast: “To Glawen and Uncle Pirie, both of whom I love dearly, and also to Xantief, Grandpa Swaner, Myron and Lydia, the Countess and her dogs, and many others!"

"Let me specifically include Miss Shoup and Melvish Keebles,” said Glawen. “For no particular reason."

Pirie Tamm once again raised his glass: “We have celebrated the past, its grandeurs and gallantries, but there are new challenges to face, new deeds to do, new mysteries to solve, and, yes, new enemies to conquer! The future confronts us with – ”

Wayness protested. “Please, Uncle Pirie! I'm still limp from the past! So far as I am concerned, the future can wait until we have used up some of this very agreeable, very relaxing present.”

Pirie Tamm became contrite. “Of course! So it shall be! I fear that I was carried away by the flow of my own rhetoric. We shall attend to the future when it becomes convenient."

Agnes entered the room. “Dinner is served.”

In the morning the three made a leisurely breakfast. Glawen asked Pirie Tamm: “Are you certain that we are not an inconvenience? If so – "

“Do not so much as think of it. When you go I will be alone again. You must stay as long as you can.”

“There is work for us to do,” said Wayness. “It’s urgent that we draft a temporary Charter and by-laws to protect the new Conservancy until the work can be done properly.”

“It is a sound idea,” said Pirie Tamm. “At this moment, I can see how the Conservancy could be snatched away from you, and without any great difficulty although it would be necessary to mitigate or even cancel your testimony by killing you."

“If Benjamie were alive, I'd feel more vulnerable,” said Wayness. “He killed with no qualms whatever. I don’t think Julian has killed anyone yet.”

“The prospect of working here is pleasant,” said Glawen. “Still, I am concerned about Cadwal and what might be going on. I'm sure that it can't be good.”

The telephone rang. Pirie Tamm went to the screen. “Yes?”

“Julian Bohost here," said a voice.

“Well, Julian, what do you want?”

“I would like to call at Fair Winds, to discuss a matter of some importance. What time would be convenient for you?"

“One time is as good as another.”

“I will be there in half an hour, with my associates."

Half an hour later Julian Bohost arrived at Fair Winds, with an entourage of two men and two women. Julian wore a suit of pale blue and white stripes, a white shirt with a teal blue cravat and a white broad-brimmed hat. The other four persons were about Julian’s age or a few years older, and were without notable distinction.

Pirie Tamm ushered the group into the drawing room. Wayness and Glawen were seated on the couch. Julian pretended surprise but his efforts were unconvincing. He introduced his companions: “Mr. and Mrs. Spangard, Mr. Fath, Miss Trefethyn. Over here is Mr. Pirie Tamm; then Wayness Tamm and Glawen Clattuc, from Cadwal."

Pirie Tamm asked: “Can, I offer you coffee? Or tea?”

“No thank you,” said Julian. "We are here not on a social occasion, but on serious business.”

"I hope to our mutual profit.”

“As to that, I can't say. Mr. and Mrs. Spangard are accountants; Mr. Fath and Miss Trefethyn are attorneys-at-law. All four, I might add, are new members in good standing of the Naturalist Society, as I am myself.”

Pirie Tamm performed a perfunctory bow. “I congratulate all of you. Be seated then, or stand, as you like. I think there are chairs enough to go around.”

“Thank you. “Julian selected a chair, settled himself into a casual attitude and surveyed the group. He spoke in a slightly nasal voice: “By way of preamble let me state that we have studied the Naturalist Society by-laws in great detail.”

“Excellent,” said Pirie Tamm heartily. “That is a good example for us all.”

“No doubt,” said Julian. “In any case, I believe that recently you have enrolled a number of new members into the Society.”

“Quite so. Twenty-two during the last month, so I believe. It is both surprising and a good portent for the future."

“The total membership now numbers how many?”

"Counting associate members and non-voting members?"

“Just voting members.”

Pirie Tamm gave his head a melancholy shake. “Not too many more, I am sorry to say. There is Wayness, myself, and two others. We have had three deaths in the last six months. Twenty-two plus you plus this four adds up to twenty-seven.”