Rummaging among the scattered contents of the trunk, which is now little more than a chaos of unusual bits of equipment and peculiar ingredients, Doctor North discovers a device which appears to be in usable condition.
It is a small glass vial of golden liquid. Upon opening the little bottle, an extraordinarily delicious aroma emerges from it, as if from a feast prepared by the most renowned royal chefs, accompanied by the finest of vintage wines. There is a tiny note, attached to the vial by some form of mucilage, with Roterstein's handwriting.
Failure. Produces only harmless effect.
Whilst exploring the contents of the trunk, Doctor North's hand narrowly avoids being stung by a needle-like object hidden amongst the objects in the trunk, apparently designed to deter investigation.
There does not appear to be any more of the Cataplasm of Proteus. Following Roterstein's instructions, Doctor North is able to produce a quantity of the substance after a few days. Upon applying it to the countenance of the unfortunate victim, she is restored to a normal condition. She proves to be Marie, an ordinary young woman of a low but respectable class. Questioning reveals the fact that she is unable to recall any of her experiences whilst in the transformed state. Her last memory is of being hired by a man fitting the description of Roterstein as a general servant. After learning something of his true nature from the adventurers, she only wishes to return to her native village, where such things are unheard of.
Meanwhile, a search of Roterstein's room reveals nothing but an irate landlady demanding that rent be paid. Upon learning that the lessor has absconded, she mutters about foreigners, with something of a jaundiced eye cast at the members of the party.
By this time the weather has grown colder, and heavy snow begins to fall. It will be hazardous to journey beyond the reasonable comfortable confines of the inn.