The Centaur laughed. “It may be for that reason I am here. There is, in any event, only one remedy in this matter. Above all devils--and above all gods, they tell me, but certainly above all centaurs--is the power of Koshchei the Deathless, who made things as they are.” “It is not always wholesome,” Jurgen submitted, “to speak of Koshchei. It seems especially undesirable in a dark place like this.” “None the less, I suspect it is to him you must go for justice.” “I would prefer not doing that,” said Jurgen, with unaffected candor. “You have my sympathy: but there is no question of preference where Koshchei is concerned. Do you think, for example, that I am frowzing in this underground place by my own choice? And knew your name by accident?” Jurgen was frightened a little. “Well, well! but it is usually the deuce and all, this doing of the manly thing. How, then, can I come to Koshchei?” “Roundabout,” says the Centaur. “There is never any other way.” “And is the road to this garden roundabout?” “Oh, very much so, inasmuch as it circumvents both destiny and common sense.” “Needs must, then,” says Jurgen: “at all events, I am willing to taste any drink once.” “You will be chilled, though, traveling as you are. For you and I are going a queer way, in search of justice, over the grave of a dream and through the malice of time. So you had best put on this shirt over your other clothing.” “Indeed it is a fine snug shining garment, with curious figures on it. I accept such raiment gladly. And whom shall I be thanking for this kindness, now?” “My name,” said the Centaur, “is Nessus.” “Well, then, friend Nessus, I am at your service.” And in a trice Jurgen was on the Centaur’s back, and the two of them had somehow come out of the cave, and were crossing Amneran Heath. So they passed into a wooded place, where the light of sunset yet lingered, rather unaccountably. Now the Centaur went westward. And now about the pawnbroker’s shoulders and upon his breast and over his lean arms glittered like a rainbow the many-colored shirt of Nessus.