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"Well, finally," I mutter

"How have you been, Victor?" he asks "I hope you’re well taken care of"

"I just finished dining sumptuously in my cabin"

Pause "What did you have?"

Pause "An acceptable turbot"

Pause "It sounds delicious," Palakon says uncertainly

"Hey, Palakon-why a up "Why do I not have a butler? Where’s my Jacuzzi, man?"

"Gentlemen do not talk about "

"Whoa," I say, and then, "Who’s a gentleman?"

"I’ine that you are, dear Victor"

"What are you, Palakon? You talk like some kind of pampered weenie"

"Is that a cheap atte-by-sea business is bor-ing," I say "There’s no one fa on this damn boat There are sixteen hundred people on this damn boat and they’re all ancient Everyone has Alzhei around on crutches"

"Surely you’re exaggerating"

"I’m really really tired of old people, Palakon," I say "I’m just so tired"

"I’ll call Cunard and tell the parlor, a tattoo emporiu that has that kind of grungy honesty you young people respond to so well"

"I’ll still be so tired, Palakon"

"Then get some sleep," Palakon says hollowly "Isn’t that what people do who are tired?"

"I’’Where a corridor or so deck that’s like miles away from the deck I wanted to be on" I pause, then add, "Surrounded by old people!"

"I’e of you-are-herepatience "Ask one of the old people for directions"

"But the old people are blind!"

"Blind people often have an excellent sense of direction," Palakon practically shouts "They’ll tell you where you are"