Universe Twister - Keith Laumer [126]
"Yes—but where does this Glass Tree you mentioned come in?"
"That's what the construction-crew boys started calling it; the name caught on. Looks kind of like a tree at that, with all them turrets and minarets and stuff branching off the main keep. Shines real snazzy in the sun. Only it ain't paid for," Sprawnroyal finished on a glum note.
"Does this prince have an old lady on his payroll—one who flies on a broom—I mean without a broom?"
O'Leary's host eyed him solicitously. "Maybe you better go back and lay down, Slim—"
"Listen, Roy: last night an old lady mentioned the Glass Tree—just after she tried to kill me."
"Cripes! With a gun?"
"No. She—"
"Oh, used a knife, eh?"
"No, it was a vicious bare-handed attack—"
"While you were asleep, I bet!"
"Certainly not! But—"
"You did say an old lady?"
"Please, Roy—I'm trying to tell you—"
"May you ought to go in for lifting, Slim, you know, weights. Get you in shape in no time, you wouldn't have to worry about no old ladies roughing you up. Now, I can make you a attractive price on our Atlas set number two-two-three, complete with a ear-link for pep talks and inspirational messages—"
"I don't need a pep talk! What I'm trying to say is, this old lady has something to do with the Lady Andragorre's disappearance!"
"Lady who?"
"Andragorre. She's my wife. I mean, she isn't really my wife, but—"
"Oh, I get it." Sprawnroyal winked. "You can rely on my discretion, Slim."
"That's not what I meant! She's a very beautiful girl, and she disappeared on her way to a kidnapping. I mean she was kidnapped on her way to a disappearance. Anyway, she's gone! And the old bat at the hut mentioned the Glass Tree!"
"So? Well, I guess everybody in these parts would know about it." Sprawnroyal frowned. "The only thing is, there ain't nobody in these parts."
"The old woman must work for this Prince Krupkin! She mistook me for someone else—she's nearsighted, I guess—and let slip that she was expecting her Ladyship to be delivered to her at her hut!"
"I don't get it. If this old dame is on the prince's payroll same as you, how come she jumps you?"
"She thought I'd double-crossed her, led Duke Rodolpho's men to her."
"Chee—you know Duke Rodolpho? His Grace fired in a inquiry some time back, wanted quotes on a Personal Aura Generator; but we couldn't get together on price."
"The point is—this Krupkin fellow must be behind the kidnapping. Only something went wrong, and Lady Andragorre was snatched out from under his nose before the old lady could take delivery."
"This Lady A is from Rodolpho's duchy, huh?" Sprawnroyal shook his head. "It don't make sense, Slim. That's a long way out of his territory for a strong-arm play."
"He lured her out of town first—she thought she was going to a rendezvous with some slicker named Lorenzo who'd insinuated himself into her good graces, not knowing the miserable sneak intended to hand her over to Krupkin." Lafayette rubbed the unbruised side of his face. "But who could have intercepted her?"
"Who indeed? It could of been anybody. The woods is full of cutpurses and footpads. Better forget it, Slim, and let's get back to business. Now, about that overdue payment—"
"Forget the most beautiful, wonderful, faithful, marvelous creature who ever wore a bikini? You don't seem to understand, Roy! At this very moment she may be in the most terrible danger—lonely, scared, maybe being tortured, or . . . or . . ."
"You said yourself she was on her way to a get-together with some guy name of Lorenzo, Slim," Sprawnroyal said