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Arthur shook his head All that fearful ti the Mariner’s disc would do so,’ shouted Arthur He put the Third Key through his belt As it left his hand, he started to sink into the sea once again, as did Suzy and Leaf

‘So,’ called Arthur, just before he got a mouthful of seawater, ‘we do need someone to take us -- and three thousand Denizens -- to Port Wednesday, as soon as it can be done’

‘We’ll take you,’ answered the Mariner ‘As for your three thousand Denizens, there are five vesselsnot far behind They’ll take on passengers, for a fee’

‘Wednesday’s Noon will arrange pay closer, so he didn’t have to shout so loud

‘There is no Wednesday’s Noon,’ objected the Carp

‘He used to be called Sunscorch,’ said Arthur ‘We’ll fix up the foret ashore, provided he wants the job There’ll be a new Dusk too, if he wants the job when he regains consciousness A Denizen called Doctor Scaular,’ said the Carp ‘I believe you’re supposed to consult me about such matters’

‘Believe away,’ said Arthur He put his head down and swa over the side ‘I’ll see you in Port Wednesday, if you’re quick’

‘What? What?’ asked the Carp ‘What are you going to do?’

‘I’o hoht Then I’ the Third Key for now I just won’t use it too much’

‘But you’re needed here!’ protested the Carp It was goggling at hile-eyed fish could do ‘The Key is needed here! Without it the balance between the Border Sea, the Realo all awry!’

Arthur had started cli the net, with Suzy and Leaf close behind He stopped and hung there, looking back down at the Carp

‘I need it!’ he shouted ‘I’ powerless when the Morrow Days co oing to zip ho’s okay, then I’ll come back I don’t want to, but I know I have to’

He started cliain, but as he reached the deck he stopped and looked down at the Carp once more

‘So just leave me alone!’

‘It won’t,’ said Leaf ‘Just like the Morrow Days’

‘I know!’ snapped Arthur ‘I know --’

‘Please excuse me,’ interrupted Suzy in a very pri suitable to change into Miss Leaf, I daresay I could find a dress for you too’

‘A dress!?’ asked Leaf ‘Why would I want to wear a dress?’

‘She promised Dame Primus to behave properly on the Border Sea,’ said Arthur hastily ‘So that’s another good reason for all of us to get out of here’

‘Indeed, I aions,’ said Suzy She nodded slightly to Arthur and Leaf, then hurried across the deck, pausing only to offer a curtsey to the Mariner, who tipped his cap and chuckled before striding over to offer his hand to Arthur, who shook it firmly

‘Where away, Lord Arthur?’ asked the Mariner ‘I’ve asince I sailed these waters, but I’ll land you wherever you please’