Kudos

Kudos

Ninny knew that Petrach would be angry. However, her news was the only
hope she had to cling to and she didn't want to cling to it alone. She
stepped nervously into the map-room.

"Oh Petrach," she said.

Petrach looked up from the small map of Gibralter he was studying.
"Yes Ninny?" he said.

Ninny hopped gently from foot to foot and then seeing no alternative
she dove straight in. "This morning I went to see Sho Shi Shang."

Petrach folded his map in a way that suggested he was extremely
angry.

"I didn't know what else to do," said Ninny. "Other people have said
very good things about him."

"Other stupid people," said Petrach. He held up the map he had been
studying. "Here is where the truth lies. Herein lies the exact
embodiment of physical actuality. That is the only truth. Not some
hocus-pocus Chinaman who has goose eggs for breakfast."

"How do you know he has goose eggs for breakfast?" said Ninny
quickly.

Petrach's face flushed red and he tried to stammer some words but
failed.

"Did he tell you that Psigor was going to be big too?" said
Ninny.

Petrach, his face redder than ever, stood up and at last managed to
speak.

"If anyone needs me then I shall be at the helicopter repair
shop."

"But Petrach," said Ninny, "it's nearly the middle of the
night."

Petrach didn't answer. He took his coat and left.

Ninny wasn't sure whether he was angry or ashamed.