He returned to the cavern to say good-by to his hosts.

Joiwind looked at him with her brave and honest eyes. "Is this
selfishness, Maskull?" she asked, "or are you drawn by something
stronger than yourself?"

"We must be reasonable," he answered, smiling. "I can't settle down
in Poolingdred before I have found out something about this
surprising new planet of yours. Remember what a long way I have
come.... But very likely I shall come back here."

"Will you make me a promise?"

Maskull hesitated. "Ask nothing difficult, for I hardly know my
powers yet."

"It is not hard, and I wish it. Promise this--never to raise your
hand against a living creature, either to strike, pluck, or eat,
without first recollecting its mother, who suffered for it."

"Perhaps I won't promise that," said Maskull slowly, "but I'll
undertake something more tangible. I will never lift my hand against
a living creature without first recollecting you, Joiwind."

She turned a little pale. "Now if Panawe knew that Panawe existed,
he might be jealous."

Panawe put his hand on her gently. "You would not talk like that in
Shaping's presence," he said.