"Very likely you have; but the test is, do you hate and fear women?"

"Why, do you?"

Haunte grinned and showed his teeth. "Things are different in
Lichstorm.... So you want to see the sights?"

"I confess I am curious to see your women, for example, after what
you say."

"Then I'll introduce you to Sullenbode."

He paused a moment after making this remark, and then suddenly
uttered a great, bass laugh, so that his chest shook.

"Let us share the joke," said Maskull.

"Oh, you'll understand it later."

"If you play pranks with me, I won't stand on ceremony with you."

Haunte laughed again. "I won't be the one to play pranks.
Sullenbode will be deeply obliged to me. If I don't visit her myself
as often as she would like, I'm always glad to serve her in other
ways.... Well, you shall have your boat ride."

Maskull rubbed his nose doubtfully. "If the sexes hate one another
in your land, is it because passion is weaker, or stronger?"