“Listen!” cried Venice into the night. “This woman saved me. Saved my life, she did! ‘Oi!’ said I, and there she was, quick as quick....”
“But, Venice, you’re sitting on my only other stocking, and I’ve only got two!”
“Pop!” said the champagne.
“Have mine, please do! Like barefoot. Jimmy, I got such a bump on the head.”
“How?” Guy asked dangerously.
“Against the bridge, please....”
“That’s only bump (a),” said Hugo kindly. “There’s still bump (b) coming to you, if I heard aright.”
“You did,” said Guy.
“You leave her alone!” snapped Shirley.
“Venice?” Napier’s voice, a white, still voice. He was kneeling, beside me, peering into the canoe. “All right now, Venice?”