Third Dispatch - [written]

[captainhornblower]

Tuesday, 24th May

Has anyone seen Archie Kennedy today?

H

Comments

[all7seas]

I'm guessing---and this is merely a guess, lad---that he's somewhere within the barrier. For starters.

[captainhornblower]

I am quite sure he is fine.

I just would prefer to know he is.

(voice, by the way---sorry)

[all7seas]

I'm thinkin' a helpful thought, mate: all friends and protectors of Archibald Kennedy shall conspire to craft for him a small silver bell what he can wear 'round his neck from here on forward.

(voice) No prob!

[captainhornblower]

[We're thinking. We're thinking.]

...I should probably say this is a bad idea.

[all7seas]

Aye, but you won't, because it's Kennedy, and he needs a tinkly little bell.

[captainhornblower]

I don't think he'd take to it well.

[all7seas]

Whereas I think it would amuse him during those hours not dedicated to causing large quantities of worry for his motley collection of companions, who then shout it over the journals.

[captainhornblower]

I am not shouting.

Besides, a bell would hardly have much staying power. Cats may have difficulty silencing one, but men... not so.

And I am not shouting.

[all7seas]

Look, mate---I'm the one what hatches the ideas, savvy? It's up to you whether to adopt them or not. Your choice, sir.