"Yes, the lich wind is travelling this way."

"The lich wind?"

"It's the atmosphere of Lichstorm. It always clings to the
mountains, but when the wind blows from the north it comes as far as
Threal."

"It's a sort of fog, then?"

"A peculiar sort, for they say it excites the sexual passions."

"So we are to have lovemaking," said Maskull, laughing.

"Perhaps you won't find it so joyous," replied Corpang a little
grimly.

"But tell me--these peaks, how do they preserve their balance?"

Corpang gazed at the distant, overhanging summits, which were fast
fading into obscurity.

"Passion keeps them from falling."

Maskull laughed again; he was feeling a strange disturbance of
spirit. "What, the love of rock for rock?"

"It is comical, but true."

"We'll take a closer peep at them presently. Beyond the mountains is