"You don't just barge into my house however you like next time. A real neighbour should be able to knock politely."
The magician gave a wry smile. "Very well, if you insist. Now I need to go see the landlord. I'll send a message when I return."
The magician left. Cugel sat down in his chair and pondered over what had occurred during the afternoon. He felt uneasy at being tricked by a stranger. He decided that he needed to check with the landlord first if Lio was actually a tenant here. He would ask him about it tomorrow morning. Meanwhile he would look around carefully and search for clues.
He searched the bedroom where Jason had been staying. There were no signs of disturbance, except that the bedding and other personal items appeared to have been hastily removed.
