NitLO Oct 29
Midnight.
"I've found it, Jack!" I said, and I told him Bubo's story.
". . . And subtracting the Good Doctor leaves us atop my hill," I concluded.
"Of course the others will divine it within the next few days."
". . . And the word will be passed. True. I can only recall one time when no one figured it properly."
"My, that was long ago. . . ."
"Yes, and we all sat down to dinner together, made a joke of it, and went our ways."
"Such things are rare."
"Indeed."
"I think this will be a close one, Snuff."
"So do I. And it's been a strange one from the start. This quality may carry through."
"Oh?"
"Just a feeling."
"I trust your instincts. We must be ready for anything. Too bad about Jill and Graymalk."
"I've decided I will stay friends with them to the end," I said.
He squeezed my shoulder.
"As you would."
"It's not like Dijon, is it?" I asked.
"No. Many odd things have happened this time around," he said. "Stiff upper lip, friend."
"That's how I smile," I said.