Four paces from the shop he stopped abruptly and laughed--a horrible
laugh.
"Do you know," he said, "I do believe I've come out without a cent on
me."
"_I_ don't believe it for a moment," I said, "but as it happens I can
lend you pounds and pounds--almost enough for two bloaters."
Herbert reluctantly found some money in one of the seven pockets he
had not felt in. Then we advanced once more.
This time there was no going back. Right into the body of the
fishmonger's we strode and stood firmly opposite the salesman.
"_Now_," I whispered tensely.
But Herbert hesitated, and even as he wobbled the salesman began his
suggestions.
"Yes, Sir? Lobsters or prawns, Sir? Some very good salmon this
morning--very fine fish indeed, Sir."
"Er, as a matter of fact," said Herbert, "we just wanted to know if
you would be so kind as to direct us to the nearest post-office?--the
one just across the road, you know," he added nervously.
"Herbert," I said in his private ear, "be a man."
Herbert pulled himself together. "Would you," he said to the salesman,
"would you please let me look at some b-b-blobsters?"
* * * * *