MYTH-Interpretations: The Worlds of Robert Asprin Read Online Free Page A

and run into a local critter, the Hefalump, that takes offense at their trespassing. Second, by his own admission, the Duc would have ignored it, but the farmers threatened to withhold their tax monies unless he did something. His response was to offer a reward to anyone who would kill or scare off the beast."
    Spyder frowned thoughtfully, then shook her head.
    "So what's wrong with that?"
    "Nothing's wrong with it," Pookie said. "It's actually very clever. He had to do something, so what he did was make an offer. A move that cost him no money or effort. Simply by making the offer, he kept the farmers paying taxes."
    "...And if anyone were actually successful going up against the Hefalump, he could renege on the payment and it still cost him nothing," Spyder finished. "That is kind of clever. But we outfoxed him with this escrow thing. Huh."
    "Not really." Pookie shrugged. "Remember the sheriff here answers to the Duc. That why the Duc agreed to readily. Tell me, sheriff, were your instructions to send the money back as soon as we went after the Hefalump, or were you supposed to wait until tomorrow?"
    Silence answered her.
    "Hey! He's asleep!" Spyder said.
    "Yes," Pookie said without looking. "And with what I put in his drink, he should be out until well after midnight."
    She rose to her feet and stretched.
    "So, little sister, gather up that lovely gold and we'll be on our way."
    "What?" Spyder exclaimed. "You mean we're just going to take the gold without going after the Hefalump at all? But that's..."
    "...Stealing," Pookie said. "If you want to pretty it up, the Duc was ready to swindle adventurers by taking advantage of their short sightedness. We're just returning the favor. Remember I told you that adventurers are thieves or killers...and you specifically said that, if possible, you'd rather be a thief?"
    She paused and considered the sleeping sheriff.
    "Of course, if you've changed your mind, we could slit his throat on the way out."
    "But won't they come after us?"
    "And admit that they've been flim-flamed? By a couple females?" Pookie smiled. "I doubt it. Even if they do, they don't even have our names when it comes to tracking us down. Looking for a Klahd and a Pervect, they'd be lucky if they didn't run smack into Aahz and Skeeve."

Gleep's Tale
    Robert Lynn Asprin
    Inevitably, when conversing with my colleagues of the dragon set, and the subject of pets was raised, an argument would ensue as to the relative advantages and disadvantages of humans as pets. Traditionally, I have maintained a respectful silence during such sessions, being the youngest member in attendance and therefore obligated to learn from my elders. This should not, however, be taken as an indication that I lack opinions on the subject. I have numerous well-developed theories, which is the main reason I welcomed the chance to test them by acquiring a subject as young and yet as well-traveled as Skeeve was when I first encountered him. As my oration unfolds, you will note...but I'm getting ahead of myself. First things first is the order of business for organized and well-mannered organisms. I am the entity you have come to know in these volumes as...
    "Gleep! C'mere, fella."
    That is Nunzio. He is neither organized nor well-mannered. Consequently, as is so often the case when dealing with Skeeve and his rather dubious collection of associates, I chose to ignore him. Still, an interesting point has been raised, so I had probably best address it now before proceeding.
    As was so rudely pointed out, I am known to this particular batch of humans, as well as to the readers of these volumes, simply as Gleep. for the sake of convenience, I will continue to identify myself to you by that name, thereby eliminating the frustrating task of attempting to instruct you in the pronunciation of my real name. Not only am I unsure you are physically able to reproduce the necessary sounds, but there is the fact that I have limited patience when it comes to dealing