"It is not my business, and to tell the truth I am not very interested.... If I were in your place, Maskull, I would not hesitate long. Don't you understand how to absorb these creatures, who set their feeble, obstinate wills against yours?""That is a worse crime," said Maskull.
"Who knows? He will live, but he will tell no tales."Digrung laughed, but changed colour. "I was right then. The monster has sprung into the light of day."Maskull laid a hand on his shoulder. "You have the choice, and we are not joking. Do as I ask.""You have fallen low, Maskull. But you are walking in a dream, and Ican't talk to you. As for you, woman - sin must be like a pleasant bath to you.. ..""There are strange ties between Maskull and myself; but you are a passer-by, a foreigner. I care nothing for you.""Nevertheless, I shall not be frightened out of my plans, which are legitimate and right.""Do as you please," said Tydomin. "If you come to grief, your thoughts will hardly have corresponded with the real events of the world, which is what you boast about. It is no affair of mine.""I shall go on, and not back!" exclaimed Digrung, with angry emphasis.
Tydomin threw a swift, evil smile at Maskull. "Bear witness that Ihave tried to persuade this young man. Now you must come to a quick decision in your own mind as to which is of the greatest importance, Digrung's happiness or Joiwind's. Digrung won't allow you to preserve them both.""It won't take me long to decide. Digrung, I gave you a last chance to change your mind.""As long as it's in my power I shall go on, and warn my sister against her criminal friends."Maskull again clutched at him, but this time with violence.