Sid and Arthur reappeared.
“You stupid man,” Arthur was heard to rebuke Sid, “you nearly got me killed then!”
“What did he do?” asked Tresham.
“He had to close the Teredon facility doors after I had fixed them. He nearly squashed me.” Arthur then looked at Tresham, “Any news of the spy yet?”
“No, Betti’s going to make some tea for Gunby. He believes he’s got caffeine withdrawal.”
“I wish Arthur would have withdrawal from his contract, then I wouldn’t have to suffer him!”
Arthur tried not to say anything to Sid, and at about the same time Betti came back with a pot of tea and five cups.
Sid and Arthur looked daggers at each other as they withdrew two chairs from another table and sat down.
“Did the Hoo take you?” inquired Betti.
“Yes,” interrupted Tresham because he didn’t want to agitate Betti’s surreality problem.
“I escaped from …,” explained Betti.
“I think Arthur escaped from Bootham,” muttered Sid.
“Bootham, Bootham!” raged Arthur.
“Yes,” replied Sid, “not the city gate in the centre of York, but the mental institution down the road.”
“Arrgh!” aspirated an exasperated Arthur as he threw his scone at Sid.
“Oi,” oied Sid, “any more of that and I’ll get me axe out.”
“I’ll, I’ll,” I’lled Arthur before I shut him up, after all it was the end of the chapter.
