Inside the house, Meggie finally gets to see Capricorn. He is a pale, colorless man. Dustfinger explains to him how the books got switched.
Capricorn steps close to Meggie to examine her, and he grips her arm uncomfortably. Elinor speaks up to tell Capricorn that they want to trade the book for Meggie's father.
Looking at Dustfinger, Capricorn asks why he brought the woman along—he'd only asked for the girl and the book—and Meggie realizes that Dustfinger has been working for Capricorn all along.
Basta takes the book from Meggie, and Capricorn tells Basta to lock them up.
Meggie starts shouting, asking where her father is and what Capricorn wants with him. Capricorn explains that her father has a talent—and that Meggie's presence will persuade him to use it.