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The lad did not look i down and then doing the same kind of tumble maneuver She then climbed up onto Sophronia’s shoulders It was aiteood at Sophronia stuled her hands around etically

The carter’s eyebroere still suspicious, but he was clearly pleased by their friendly manner He offered up some useful information: "Hamlet probably not sized to do you any favors Try up a few stops There’s a ood spot for a carnival"

"Thank you kindly!" chirruped Sophronia "We may just do that"

The lad doffed his hat and clicked his donkey into a lu walk

Their inadvertent addition, Dusty the stoker, cleared his throat as the gruine came to rest

Sophronia looked at hi that he ith the hadn’t forgotten hi, Dusty?"

"Mr Sid, sir, it’s only that we’re running low on coal If you lads want to keep going, you’ll need to get fuel froh to have reserves"

"I’d better check the tender" Soap disappeared behind the boiler He careeht be a novice train driver, but he had an excellent working knowledge of boilers and their coal consu a very dirty Bumbersnoot in his wake

"Guess who’s eaten toosteam out his carapace and steam out his ears and had a definite bloated appearance

"Oh, Bu"

Buuilty

"Not a whole lot we can do about it now," said Sidheag, protecting the hed "I hope he hasn’t daed himself" She put Bumbersnoot in a corner and tied his reticule straps to a nearby protrusion so he couldn’t eat any more of their precious coal He did look unwell; it was troubling "I should probably check his insides, but he’s running too hot to touch Who’d like first watch?"

Soap said, "I’ll take it What do you suggest, a regular walkabout, plus roof and skyline? Say every quarter hour or so?"

"If you’re sure you’re not too tired" Sophronia really orried about him He looked so exhausted

"I’d rather a solid block of sleep later"

Sophronia said, "Very well, then, I’ll take second"

Sidheag agreed to third and Dimity fourth Dusty said he’d take fifth, unfa said kindly, "There is no fifth, but you’ve been doing all the stoking and aren’t even part of our operation You should sleep the full night"

"We’re rateful for all your help, by the way, Mr Dusty," added Sophronia

"And I’ll et to Scotland," said Sidheag

Dusty look embarrassed as everyone turned appreciative attention upon hi "Position at the castle?"