Mud takes a small and trembling step back from Laura, inching into the shadowy back of the alley. Hands still up the little hobgoblin says with guarded curiosity, "Favor? You do favor for Mud? What favor?" It's voice is like a squawking parrot.

In reply to Laura's first question, Mud replies, "Snigglebutt is no good! No no good! He takes things from The Hedge to sell at the market. He works with the Gentry! He takes bribes and sells information to them!"