Muko recognised one of them as the Machinists' teacher but he'd never seen the other one before, although he was soon to hear his name.
The teacher unknown to Muko said: “I heard that you're trying to solve the riddle. Have you got anywhere with it?”
The Machinists' teacher replied: “ My dear Mr Girolamo. Such matters should not concern you. You have given ample proof that you are not to be trusted with sensitive matters.”
The man referred to as Girolamo huffed audibly; he was clearly offended. “Well, all I can say is that there is no conceivable way that the Machinists will be able to solve it. Even that traitorous Pythagoras won't be able to help you. But be warned. There is something dark in Pythagoras' past and someone could get hurt. You will need to be very careful.” The Machinist teacher tried to interrupt him but he continued: “The Sculpture will ...”
Suddenly a door opened and the machinist pupils trooped out of their classroom right by where Muko was standing.
“Hey!” called out one. “You were eavesdropping on our