'Do you mind?'
'Oh, no. Dwarfs are very law-abiding and respectable, in my experience.'
William now realized that he was talking to a girl who had
never been in certain streets when the bars were closing.
'I've already got two good items for you,' Sacharissa went on, as if imparting state secrets.
'Er... yes?'
'My grandfather says this is the longest, coldest winter he can remember.'
'Yes?'
'Well, he's eighty. That's a long time.'
'Oh.'
'And the meeting of the Dolly Sisters' Baking and Flower Circle Annual Competition had to be abandoned last night because the cake table got knocked over. I found out all about it from the secretary, and I've written it all down neatly.'
'Oh? Um. Is that really interesting, do you think?'
She handed him a page torn from a cheap exercise book.
He read: ' "The Dolly Sisters' Baking and Flower Circle Annual Competition was held in the Reading Room in Lobbin Clout Street, Dolly Sisters. Mrs H. Rivers was the President. She welcomed all members and commented on the Sumptuous Offerings. Prizes were awarded as follows
William ran his eye down the meticulous list of names and awards.
' "Specimen in Jar"?' he queried.
'That was the competition for dahlias,' said Sacharissa.
William carefully inserted the word 'dahlia' after the word 'specimen', and read on.
' "A fine display of Loose Stool Covers"?' n read it. He turned a few pages quickly.
'You may show it to your monkey,' said Mr Slant.
Mr Pin managed to grab Mr Tulip's arm before it reached the zombie's head. Mr Slant did not even flinch.
'He's got the story of our lives, Mr Tulip!'
'So? I can still rip his --ing stitched-on head right off!'
'No, you cannot,' said Mr Slant. 'Your colleague will tell you why,'
'Because our legal friend here will have made a lot of copies, won't you, Mr Slant? And probably lodged them in all kinds of places in case he di-- in case--'
'... of accidents,' said Mr Slant smoothly. 'Well done. You have had an interesting career so far, gentlemen. You are quite young. Your talents have taken you a long way in a short time and given you quite a reputation in your chosen profession. While of course I have no idea about the task you are undertaking - no idea whatsoever, I must stress - I have no doubt that you will impress us all.'
'Does he know about the contract in Quirm?' said Mr Tulip.
'Yes,' said Mr Pin.
That stuff with the wire netting and the crabs and that --ing banker?'
'Yes.'