'Exactly. Now, if State law fails, what remains?'

John said carefully: The law of the group - for its own protection.'

'And of the family?'

'Within the group. The needs of the group come first.'

'And the head of the family?' Millicent began to laugh, a nervous almost hysterical laugh. 'Amuse yourself, my dear,' Pirrie continued. 'I like to see you happy. Well, Custance. The man is the proper head of his family group - are we still agreed?'

There was only one direction in which the insane relentless logic could be heading. John said:

'Yes. Within the group.' He hesitated. 'I am in charge here. The final say is mine.'

He thought Pirrie smiled, but in the dim light it was difficult to be sure. Pirrie said:

'The final say is here.' He tapped the rifle. 'I can, if I wish, destroy the group. I am a wronged husband, Custance - a jealous one, perhaps, or a proud one. I am determined to have my rights. I hope you will not gainsay me, for I should not like to have to oppose you.'

'You know the way to Blind Gill now,' John said.

'But you might have difficulty getting entry without me.'

'I have a good weapon, and I can use it. I believe I should find employment quite readily.'

There was a pause. In the silence there came a sudden bubbling lilt of bird song; with a shock John recognised it as a nightingale.

'Well,' Pirrie said, 'do you concede me my rights?'

Millicent cried: 'No! John, stop him. He can't behave like this - it isn't human. Henry, I promise ...'

'To cease upon the midnight,' Pirrie said. 'with no pain. Even I can recognise the appositeness of verse occasionally. Custance! Do I have my rights?'

Moonlight silvered the barrel as it swung to cover John again. Suddenly he was afraid - not only for him