“Aye so what’s the racket then?” Blom asked of Constable Hur. Remember Hur? Remember that scene? We’re finally swervin’ around back to it.

“You can’t intimidate me, Blomgrin,” answered Constable Hur. He had left and then returned a few days later after assembling his mind. Now he would knock Blom down a stoke or two.

“Seems I might’ve given that you tried to do so yourself,” replied Blom. “Back again now with a few more marbles in your brain?”

“You won’t be talkin’ so big when you’re locked in the dungeons,” said Hur. “Scene 64. Read it again.”

“No need,” said Blom with a scowl. “You aim to read me my papers or you aim to stand there wind blowin’ through your ears?”

“Reports are comin’ ‘crossed my desk that purport to support the existence of Wayward Spirits in this inn,” said Hur importantly. “I want you arrested and thrown in the Town Jail, Blomgrin! You know what sorta operation you’re runnin’ here, and I aim to report these reports to the Official Representative of the Crown at once.”

“Is that so, aye? I ain’t findin’ myself too fond o’ your authority, Hur, till you read me some evidence of that claim.”

“Don’t need evidence,” blustered Hur. “Where’s your brother? I demand to see Glen.”

“Glen’s out,” Blom said shortly.

“That’s no excuse.”

“No? What Glen does with his time is his own business. I reckon he manages the affairs o’ this establish without complaint and if he takes it upon hisself to fly away for a docket or ten then that’s his mind.”

“Let me see your cellar. EXPOSE FOR ME the cellar of this building!”

“I refuse. Get out, Hur. Get out before I wail on you. Come back with some papers proclaimin’ the thing or never set your pocky face between these walls again.”

“I never liked you, Blomgrin, never liked you ever since you and your Jibberjab brother set foot in this quiet town.”

“I’ll kindly ask you not to bring up the old names, Hur. The old names run deep.”

“Is that the fact, then, Blomgrin?” Hur was shaking but his voice was firm. “You have some reasons to prefer the Jibberjabs?”

BLAMTTT

The door of the Ragged Maiden blew open and slammed into Hur with the force of an Autumn Storm. Three youths stumbled into the common room, sparing no glance for the sprawled Hur. Blom recognized the lad in the front: Hem Slonnigum!