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====== The First Game ======

//In which Dr. Van B. receives his guests, in order to ask of their
Adventures in foreign parts. Phineas is introduced to the company.
A brief Altercation.//

The room in which we are gathered is a large one, with an oaken table
dominating its centre. Standing at its head is one Doctor Van
B., formerly of Amsterdam. The good Doctor is a large man, clean
shaven, and is wearing slightly worn academic robes, a large ruff and
a habitually worried expression. He welcomes each member of the
party with a small, nervous bow.

When all are gathered, he taps a glass to gain the attention of the
company and says, "I, ahem, I would like to welcome each and every
one of you to the Bear and Garter, and I thank you all very much for
responding to my invitation. It is indeed a pleasure for such a
humble scholar as myself to be in the company of such distinguished
adventurers and raconteurs. After we have eaten, and I must say that
the food here is excellent, far in excess of anything I have ever
been accustomed to, we will get down, as they say, to the business of
tales. I would like to introduce you to our landlord, Phineas,"at
which he gestures to that fine fellow, "who will, as is customary,
indulge us by providing us each with two silver pieces at the
beginning of each… excuse me?" Phineas leans to whisper something in
Dr. Van B.'s ear. The doctor turns so that his mouth is
obscured, and whispers back. Phineas' reply is more guttural, and
the Doctor starts whispering with much more animation. "Excuse me,
ladies and gentlemen, mine host and I will just need to step
outside," says the doctor, as he is dragged by the arm from the
room.

Returning, Van B. starts again from where he left off. "As I was
saying, Phineas will indulge us by providing two silver pieces from
my own purse which will be added to my account at the beginning of
each tale, and will exchange two of these silver pieces for gold any
time you request it of him." Phineas glowers. "He will also be more
than happy to provide you with any drink that you request from his
magnificent and well-stocked cellar."

Phineas leaves to prepare the meal (an excellent repast of roast
meats and exotic vegetables), leaving the company to seat
themselves. Shortly, Sally comes up to blush prettily and take drink
orders.

=== The Duke's table ===
//In which the Duke is introduced, and his proclivities in provisions are
discovered.//

Seated to the right of the good doctor is a tall, expensively dressed young
man. Of regal bearing and somewhat rogueish manner. The somewhat unkempt
nature of beard and sideburns adding little in the way of austerity.
Looking up from his repast or roast beef and diverse vegetables, he glances
around the gentlemen and ladies present as he holds the last piece of turnip on
a fork. As yet there has been nary a drop or mark fallen by mischance onto his
silk waistcoat, nor his velvet frockcoat. He is obviously trying hard not to
look impudently at the Frenchman present, but old habits die hard - even when
diced thinly and thrown overboard.

Somewhat surprised to find the rare delicacy of a potato on his plate, he
view's the Doctor with new respect for having chosen the place. For a
commoner, he has good taste.

"Young lady!", he calls out - somewhat boisterously.
Sally turns her attention to him.
"I would like some ale, m'dear".
The serving girl is quick to serve him his drink. There is something about his
natural commanding tones that demands it. Either that or her willingness to do
her occupation justice.

=== The Lady Kathryn Is Satisified ===

The Lady Kathryn sat resplendent in dark green velvet. A woman of some
stature, she had thoroughly enjoyed her meal. The potatoes in
particular had been a revelation.

'I understand they are grown underground', she murmured to her
neighbour, the Countess Barbara.

Now replete, she calmly surveyed those around her whilst picking her
teeth with the nail of her little finger, a habit she had - some say
unfortunately - picked up in Romania.

She smiled graciously at Sally as she approached and requested a
snifter of brandy.

'And a saucer of warm milk for Gerald, if you please', she added,
motioning to a small white rat that played about her ladyship's person.

Sally, a credit to her profession, did not blink as Gerald settled
comfortably upon her ladyship's rather ample bosom.
=== In which the Doctor taps his timepiece meaningfully ===

"I had hoped the others would have arrived by now. They will miss
the potatoes. Perhaps someone should send a servant to the Marquis
and Lady Alyssa..."

=== In which the Countess arrives fashionably late ===
A footservant scurries into the room, looks up at the August assemblage,
and clears his throat. Bowing with a flourish, he speaks: "The Countess
of Tango". On cue, the door opens, and an elegant woman dressed all in
black enters the room. "Thankyou, Harold" she murmurs, then stops,
looking expectantly at the seated (?) gentlemen.

=== In which Lady Alyssa finally locates the establishment ===
The door barely closes before it opens again and Lady Gray sweeps into the room.
She removes her heavy shawl and hands it to the young girl behind her. She briefly
pauses and then adds, "A small port if you wouldn't mind."

Turning to survey the room, she moves towards the empty seat beside the Countess.
"No, no, Gentlemen please don't get up. I do apologise for my tardiness. The place
was a little difficult to find."

Taking her seat, she gratefully accepts the glass handed to her by the young girl.

The door barely closes before it opens again and Lady Gray sweeps
into the room. She removes her heavy shawl and hands it to the young
girl behind her. She briefly pauses and then adds, "A small port if you
wouldn't mind."

Turning to survey the room, she moves towards the empty seat beside
the Countess. "No, no, Gentlemen please don't get up. I do apologise for
my tardiness. The place was a little difficult to find."

Taking her seat, she gratefully accepts the glass handed to her by the
young girl.

===== In which the Doctor gets proceedings underway, and asks a tale of the Duke. . =====
"Well, then, your Grace," says the Doctor, turning to Duke
Peter, "After that excellent repast, I am quite sure that I am very
much in the mood to hear a tale of your adventures. Perhaps, then,
you could tell us of the time you discovered the potato, now so
popular upon our tables, and how you used its little known and
hitherto unsuspected properties to cause so much mayhem among the
primitive tribesfolk of the American Indies." 
=== In which the marquis stumbles up the stairs from the taproom. ===

The Marquis stumbles slightly across the threshold, and as he catches
himself, liquid splashes from his unusually large Toby jug,
undoubtedly full of ale. Fortunately, his blue brocade coat is dark
enough to disguise any sign of spillage. Unfortunately, his ivory
cravat shows evidence of some minor previous messiness. Having been
lurking in the taproom downstairs, His Excellency actually arrived
well before the other guests, and now appears unaware of his lateness.

Moving to the last place at the large table, he turns to his left and
bows over the Lady Alyssa's hand, "Bonjour Madame". Turning to his
right, he thanks the Doctor for his kind invitation, and with an
inclination of his head and an expansive gesture, threatening further
spillage from his mug, greets the other guests.

Ignoring the sidelong looks from the Duke over dinner, the Marquis
quickly clears his plate, lingering only slightly over the potatoes
which remind him of home. Sitting back, and after getting Sally to
refill his oversized receptacle, he looks toward the Doctor as he
begins to speak...

===== In which the Duke travels to America =====
Cocking his head towards the doctor, the Duke raises an
eyebrow. "'tis rather serendipitous of you to ask, good sir.", he
smiles wryly, "as I was just recalling the facts of my strange
adventures concerning the [[potato]] ".
  * [[potato|Duke Peter's Tale]]

=== The Hon. Clare Thimblebelly actually appears ===
The door suddenly opens, and Miss Clare Thimblebelly sweeps in accompanied
by a great sound of tinkling. A rather large woman, she is dressed in a
voluminous silk dress of an unfortunate shade of orange, from which one's
attention is only diverted by her elaborate pile of hair which is a surely
artificial and positively, er, *breathtaking* red.

She pauses a mere moment to catch her breath, then proclaims "oh, my
darlings!" at unknown persons or perhaps the room in general. Bustling
around the table, cooing such things as "Your Grace!" and "dearie!" she
arrives between Marquis Terry and Doctor van B. A chair arrives and
she wedges herself into it, muttering loudly behind her hand,
"I *do* so hope I'm not interrupting anything, Doctor!"

Leaning over the table, she exclaims "America! Oh, do please continue, sir!"

She nudges the Marquis' oversized receptacle away from her and produces a
silver flask, from which she sips while she listens.

=== The Duke finishes his tale ===
"Why, Duke Peter," says the Doctor, "Allow me to express my delight
at such a wonderful, educational and indeed inspirational tale. I
shall never fail to think of it every time I consume a [[potato]]."

The Doctor looks with some surprise into his empty glass, and summons
Phineas, saying "More wine for myself and my guests, my good man!
And indeed, more ale, too! As a point of fact, if you would be so
good as to fry some potatoes, we should be forever in your debt!" At
the last comment, Phineas mumbles something darkly under his breath,
causing the doctor to pale visibly. "Of course, sir, I had not
forgotten the matter. Let us talk of it anon."

Lady Kathryn echoes the Doctor's praise.

"Indeed sir, whilst familiar with the triumph of the Bangerznmasch
people over the Bubl'nsqvek, I was not aware of your own pivotal role
in the matter. Oh Gerald! What *are* you doing there?".

Finally noticing Gerald's wanderings, Lady Kathryn proceeds to entice
him back with cheese and other delicacies.

"Ah," exclaims the Countess, "so twice you were so entranced by the beauty
of the young maidens - no doubt insisting on taking the time to sketch
their portraits in your hut - that you were caught, but you ultimately
triumphed! What a fine tale, Duke. Perhaps you can show us the portraits
later."
=== The Duke asks a story of the Lady Kathryn ===
"I must first have them framed properly, dear Countess. With pieces
of art – often it is the setting that makes it memorable, I find.
There is a fellow on Chadwick street, blind, deaf and dumb – but in
possession of the most remarkable seeing-eye duck who would do a
marvellous job of mounting my sketches of the dusky maidens of the
tribe, Bubl'nsqvek. I must attend to it later this week."

Duke Peter, wiping his beard after his quaff of ale turns to the
lovely Lady Kathryn seated to his right.
"Lady Kathryn, it would be an honour if you could enlighten us as to
the circumstances of your having a rat name Gerald. And how it was
that with nothing but his help you lifted the Great Siege of Antioch?"

===== In which Lady Kathryn sets the scene =====

"[[The Great Siege of Antioch]]? Why, that occurred during my Ottoman
Adventures whilst gathering material for my", she laughs as if
embarrassed, "some say seminal volume, 'The Breeding of Rats. Part
XVIII. The Ottoman Empire'."
  * [[The Great Siege of Antioch|Lady Kathryn's Tale]]

"But that, my friends, is another story."

Exhausted, Lady Kathryn slumps back in need of sustenance.

"A most remarkable story, dear lady, indeed!", the Duke toasts his
mug in her direction.

"Formee-duh-bluh! Bravo Madame!" The Marquis' pupils are swirling
quite vigorously with his enthusiasm, "I am mossst impresssed wiz your
rezzzourcefulness and brevery!".

"A neat solution," acknowledges the Countess, giving Gerald an unsettled
glance. "Thankyou for sharing your adventure."

The Doctor applauds heartily.

"Most admirable, dear lady, most admirable. I shall not hesitate to
make copious loud noises should my path ever again cross von
Mouchtenstein's."

"Marvellous!", says Miss T. "You know, my dear, I did meet a Scottish
relation of yours whom I believe to be the very same Cousin Fergus. He
seemed altogether unaffected by his brief foray into the rodent world...
except for the twitching of course. And the peculiar high-pitched shrieking
which seemed to be his sole method of communication, and needn't have been
a side-effect of his rattish transmogrification, though certainly must have
occurred after the adventure in Antioch, since I fear it permanently put an
end to the fellow's ability to imitate the mating call of the Slightly
Better Known Ghost Rat of Asia Minor."

She takes a breath, and offers a pouch of fragrant green powder to the
Doctor, sitting next to her.

===== In which Lady Kathryn asks a story of the Countess =====
Lady Kathryn starts with surprise at Miss Thimblebelly's information.
"My good lady, you have described my cousin exactly! I was not aware
that you had met him." She sighs. "The twitching *was* a rather
unfortunate side affect of our Ottoman Adventures, but he began
shrieking at a very early age and has not yet given it up. It is most
trying."

Turning to her neighbour, she continues. "Countess Barbara, I know
you have travelled to all 5 corners of the globe and I have always
been most interested to learn more of your adventures in the Far
East. In particular, I have heard rumors that you were instrumental
in recovering the Grey Pearls of Pung Qing for his Excellency Qian
Long, Emperor of China. Is it true that you found them in a forgotten
room of the Imperial Palace?"

Contessa Barbara smiled at the memories that Lady Kathryn's question
brought to mind. "Ah, yes;" she mused, "The famed [[Grey Pearls of Pung Qing]]."
  * [[Grey Pearls of Pung Qing|Contessa Barbara's Tale]]

Draining her glass, the Contessa turned to Sally. "My dear, is there any
chance of some pudding?"

Addressing Contessa Barbara, Duke Peter enthuses his pleasure, "Why,
how extraordinary!"

"Contessa," says the Doctor, "that was indeed a most astounding
adventure!"

The Marquis, who has been sitting quietly with a very slight, somewhat
dreamy smile on his face as he listened to the part of the chronicle
involving Catherine the Great, noticeably returns to the present. He
shakes himself slightly and focuses intently on the Contessa as her
extraordinary tale comes to its climax.

"Bravo madame! Your experiencez in overcoming ze wildz of ze
orient are muhst inspiring!"

=== The Countess asks the Lady of Essex to Tell Her Tale ===

The Countess' pudding arrives - a large bowl of steamed fruit pudding
swimming in custard, and she says no more for a few minutes as she
tucks in. Breaking her silence, she addresses Lady Alyssa:

"I have long been impressed by the extent of your travels, Lady Alyssa.
This is a good night for tales, so perhaps you could share with us the
tale of your journey to the Earth's core in a barrel of ice, and what
you found there to precipitate the downfall of the government of New
Zealand."

=== Lady Alyssa Prepares to Tell Her Story ===
Lady Alyssa laughs for several minutes before responding. "I must thank you, my dear Countess. I hadn't thought of that adventure in a very long time. However, before I begin, I must beg all present company," she pauses to look each person in the eye, including the butler and Sally, before continuing, "for the utmost discretion in what you are about to hear, for the protection of both myself and the others who were involved in this extraordinary chain of events. The Earl prefers me not to talk of such things these days. I trust, since I am amongst friends, that you will all respect my request."

She stops talking to motion to Sally for a jug of the house wine. "Oh, and do you, by any chance, have any Belgian chocolates?" she adds.

The Countess looks intrigued. "You have my word of honour that
I will not carry your tale past these walls."

"Of course, my lady, you have my word as a scholar and a gentleman.", says the Doctor.

"But of course, Madame!" the Marquis replies.

===== Lady Alyssa and the Barrel of Ice =====
  * [[Lady Alyssa and the Barrel of Ice|Lady Alyssa's Tale]]

The doctor is agog. He pushes forward a silver coin to join the gold
one already in front of Lady Alyssa.

"My... word..." he murmurs. "What an extraordinary tale!"

"Bon Dieu! It all seems so unreal!", says the Marquis.

Contessa Barbara bursts into spontaneous applause at the completion of the
tale (or is it at the arrival of Sally with a tray of flaming cocktails?)

"A most astounding tale, M'lady Alyssa!", says the Duke.

=== Lady Alyssa asks the Marquis for a tale ===

As she discreetly slips her hard-earned coins into a small red purse,
Lady Alyssa turns to the Marquis beside her and says, "Do tell us the
exhilarating tale of the time you went on safari in the North of
Africa and what you did there to ensure the survival of the last
known species of dinosaurs."

===== In which the Marquis takes much too long to set the scene, *or* In which the Marquis is expelled from a volcano into the deepest, darkest equatorial jungle and encounters a small people who make him their god. =====

"My esteemed peers, I must apologize for my quietness - your vivid
descriptions 'ave so distracted me! The very colours of this room 'ave
become so entrancing - the very surfaces seem to be breathing and
pulsing with the life of your stories - the colours! the burning
towers! the colours!..." The Marquis shakes himself and blinks, and
the swirling of his pupils seems to subside somewhat. He calls for
some throat lubricant and takes a quick swig.

  * [[Dinosaur|The Marquis' Tale]]

"Bravo, Monsieur," says the Doctor. "A masterful tale. Shame about
poor de Silinami, of course. I have no idea what I shall tell his
widow, now left all alone amongst the vast treasures he had recovered
from parts unknown, but tell her, I clearly must."

Lady Kathryn claps her hands delightedly and inadvertently secures
the attention of Sally. "Oh! Yes. Well, I'm sure Gerald would like
a little more cheese. He does particularly enjoy a bit of fresh
wensleydale at this time of night (as I documented in 'The Complete
Book of Cheese'). And I think I'm ready for a spot of coffee, if you
have it."

She returns her attention to the Marquis. "What a wonderfully
uplifting tale! I can almost hear the faint strains of this jungle
music as I sit here."

She stops to listen for a moment.

"Although perhaps it *is* just the sound of beets being broken
downstairs. (I believe they do a very nice beetroot goulash here.)
Admittedly, the Jabberwock's plumage sounds a far superior decoration
than that of the (rather curiously named) Rainbow Robin that the Ging
Gang Gooly were using during my stay. Still, I do believe their dull
brown and grey feathers are still very valuable on the European
market." Turning to Countess Barbara, Lady Kathryn then enquires

"What *were* the origin of these laundered feathers you speak of?"

"A fascinating, and no doubt, altogethor factual and true, account
Marquis", proclaims the Duke.

"A most excellent tale, Marquis," says the Countessa, "Thankyou for
sharing it with us. I am sure, doctor," she continues turning to
him, "that you will be able to comfort the widow.

  * [[Feathers|The Contessa digresses on feathers]]

"I returned home to my father and he never spoke again of my
eductation. So that was that."

"An enlightening tale, Contessa," says the doctor, as he
surreptitiously ensures the strength of the table separating himself
from the lady. "I must admit, I should very much like to meet your
po.. your dear father."

=== The Marquis ===
"Oui Madame - it has been most fascinating to hear of the continuing
value of feathers to our modern civilized society."

The Marquis pauses to drain the dregs from his jug, then glances to
his right.

"However, I am also somewhat interested in the high value of
substances of a more herbal or indeed pharmaceutical nature - Miss
Thimblebelly, if you would be so kind, could you tell us of your
Spanish adventure leading to the discovery of your famous Preparation
Number 3?"

===== In which Miss T travels incognito in Spain =====
"Certainly, sir", says Miss Thimblebelly, settling back in her chair. "You
should know that although I have often hinted at the extraordinary events
surrounding my discovery of the formula, never before have I told the full
story.
  * [[Preparation Number 3|Miss Thimblebelly's Tale]]

"A marvellous tale," confirmed the Countess. "Whatever will we hear of
next?"

"I confess to being curious myself, Contessa. Miss Thimblebelly -
what tale would you hear of me?" 

=== In which petit-fours are eaten ===

Having devoured a number of petit-fours that promptly arrived courtesy of
Sally, Miss Thimblebelly looks over at Doctor von B., seated next to
her. "My dear Doctor, I would be eternally grateful if you would share with
us the story of how you discovered the Mask of Zorro in a remote part of
the Andes. I admit I have a personal interest in learning more about your
experiences, to which you alluded earlier, with Peruvian pharmaceuticals"

Lady Kathryn turns an attractive shade of pink. "Aphrodisiac?!??',
she splutters. "But Papa! And Betty. And Nancy. And Mary. And
Roger!!"

She sits still whist contemplating several new and unsettling trains
of thought.

"I never thought the floors were *particularly* shiny" she mutters finally.

Whilst the Doctor gathers his thoughts, Miss Thimblebelly reaches over the
table to the attractively blushing and rather unsettled Lady Kathryn, and
pats her hand in a comforting manner, then takes the opportunity to scoop
Gerald up and conduct a brief, hushed, and possibly rather one-sided
conversation with him about explosives.

===== In which the young doctor secures a position aboard a ship and embarks on a voyage =====
"Ah, yes, the Andes. It was my first voyage as Ship's Natural
Philosophy Officer, you know. I remember it like it was yesterday. 
  * [[the mask of zorro|The Doctor's Tale]]

The Contessa breaks into spontaneous applause. "Bravo, sir!"

"Indeed, Doctor. Your story is most impressive." Lady Alyssa smiles
appreciatively at him, raising one eyebrow ever so slightly.

==== Duke Peter votes ====
The Duke of Gloucester slumps backward in his chair as he ponders the
last story.
"It is a shame that I cannot split my coins amongst all the stories.
I would that I did not have to choose one only."
He sighs before continuing.
"Lady Alyssa's journey to the Earth's core was most intriguing,
entirely a barrel of fun. Contessa Barbara's story on the Grey
Pearls of Pung Qing, whilst perhaps besmirching the good character of
Catherine the Great, did make a good run of it. Lady Kathryn's
narrative on the origins of her rat were very definitive, and I have
learnt much about the dwellers of the city of Antioch. Miss
Thimblebelly's alluring story of her chemical adventures were
certainly very captivating. The Marquis' reptile adventure was head
and shoulders above hunting tales. And needless to say, Doctor
B's Andes trip was wonderfully brazen."

"I enjoyed them all, even though there was little in the way of
duels, bloodshed, derision for the French and commoners, present
company excluded, of course.."
He sniffs somewhat arrogantly.

"But based purely on the story told, I did enjoy the doctor's the
most. Therefore I place my gold in his care."
Duke Peter slides his three gold coins left, in front of Dr. Van
B.
==== Contessa Barbara votes ====
"For sheer audacity, my money is with the Doctor's tale too," says
the Contessa. "Although I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed all the
stories we have heard tonight. Miss Thimblebelly's digression on Boy
Troupes deserves a particular mention."
==== Lady Kathryn Decides ====
"It is a tough choice indeed", laments Lady Kathryn. "I loathe to
have to choose but one story yet feel that I must forward my paltry
sum to Miss Thimblebelly. I found her description of the halls of
Castillo Flamenco riveting - as only one who has also trod their
gloomy paths possibly could. Her description of how Preparation No. 3
(floor polish *and* aphrodisiac!) was developed was truly
enlightening. I will certainly be discussing it with Papa when I
reach home."
==== The Doctor casts his vote ====
"A difficult decision, indeed. However, as I can only vote for one
story, it must be that of the Contessa de Tango." The doctor pushes
his coins to the Contessa.

"The Empress of Russia is a most astounding woman, and most taken
with the earthworks and engineering projects of my native land, or so
I am told. Your tale has not tarnished my opinion of her in the
least, and your vivid description of Chinese court life was most
enlightening."
==== Lady Alyssa Decides ====
"I too must choose Lady Thimblebelly's tale. I'm still smiling from
her description of the laundry shoot misadventure." Lady Alyssa
slides her coins discreetly across the table.

"I agree - all of ze stories have been intriguing, ze choice is m'st
difficult! I 'ope I am not choosing style over substance, but I found
ze Lady Kathryn's adventures in Antioch to be m'st amusing."

The Marquis slides a small pouch of coins toward the Lady of
Basingstoke.

Miss Thimblebelly is slumped over the table after perhaps overindulging in
the garlic icecream. She mumbles "Um, the, um, potatoes, I think"

"Why, I'm honoured," says the doctor. 
===== At the sign of the Bear and Garter =====
"Well," says the doctor, expansively, "it must be said that I haven't
had a finer night's entertainment since my student days in
Amsterdam. But it is getting late, and there comes a time when even
the finest night must become morning, and I think I would rather be
in bed before that happens."

Sally stifles a yawn as she clears the table. Finishing their
drinks, sweets and potatoes, the company makes its way slowly down to
the common room, which is now all but deserted.

"It has been my pleasure to serve you all," says Phineas. "Have a
pleasant and safe journey home, my ladies and gentlemen, and I thank
you most warmly for you patronage."

The doctor farewells each member of the company as they head out into
the darkness of the night. "Ah, your grace, do keep well, won't
you? Milady Kathryn, I do so look forward to reading your next
work. Contessa, commend me to Ali next time you see him, won't you?
I do miss the lad." The doctor kisses Lady Alyssa's hand in a
courtly if slightly wobbly manner, and proffers his most winning
smile. "Marquis, sir, I do hope you find your way home, soon. It is
just over the channel, after all, persistence is the key. And
Mistress Thimblebelly, I hope to be able to make my way to Lower
Cannonboroughbury in order to discuss herbs and unguents with you at
some length. Goodnight, all, and I hope to see you all again in the
near future. Safe travels, all (and especially you, Marquis!)"

As the members of the company gradually make their way to their
carriages, chattering and laughing, the Doctor discreetly passes his
purse of winnings to Phineas. "You're a fine man, Phineas," he
says, "but too mercenary by half. Why, there are people all over the
world that would consider the tales told tonight to be more than
adequate payment for that fine if rather workmanlike repast... no,
Phineas, I was not trying to recover my purse, merely preventing the
gold coins from escaping... oh, look, see how I caught that one,
here, have it back... why, Phineas, I'm shocked at the very
suggestion! Come, come now, there's no need to be like that, what's
a gold coin or two between friends... well, of course we are friends,
my dear man, you are easily the equal of any of my friends and
companions of yore... Yes, Phineas, as you say. Good night, and
pleasant dreams. Oh, and thank Sally for the port."

And a short time later, the lights of the House at the sign of the
Bear and Garter are extinguished, and the night is silent and dark
once more.
----
Go back to [[at_the_sign_of_the_bear_and_garter|The Bear and Garter]]