16
By the time I returned, two of the beleaguered books had begun beating themselves against the walls of their glass-fronted houses. Whether they were trying to escape, or merely entertaining themselves, was unclear.
‘Mauf,’ I yelled over the tumult. ‘What is going on here?’
‘They appear to be in a state of some excitement,’ said Mauf gravely.
‘Yes, I can see that, but why? Can you talk to them?’
‘I would as usefully talk to a wall. A more empty-headed set of volumes I never did encounter.’
‘Is that the truth, Mauf, or do you exaggerate for effect?’
‘A very little exaggeration only, Miss Vesper.’
What could he mean? The word “empty-headed” must be an expression he had picked up from us, or some other book; it could not literally apply here. Were the books devoid of useful content,
