Nell: I’m going to need a lie down.
Me: Why?
Nell: I thought Mutley’s news was bad enough.
Me: What’s happened?
Nell: He was supposed to organise a sturdy modern cruiser but now we have a tall ship.
Me: You mean the old fashioned sailing vessel?
Nell: I do.
Me: Hopefully the captain will know how to sail her.
Nell: Which is where we come to the second problem. The captain.
Me: Why?
Nell: He is a Shiba Inu.
Me: A what?
Nell: He’s called Hiroshi Takeda. He comes from Japan and he has a wooden leg.
Me: I hope we can call him Hiro.
Nell: So that’s all you are worried about?
Me: Well, no, but it would be easier.
Nell: Good grief! We are about to set sail on a tall ship with a Shiba Inu. Oh, and let’s not forget his brother, Ken, who is an Akita Inu, first mate and bigger than David.
Me: Ken?
Nell: It’s a popular name in Japan. Be thankful. Poppy insists they are experienced and the best we can get at short notice.
Me: I can’t wait to meet the crew.
Nell: They are all corgis and don’t speak a word of Japanese.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: Just pull the curtains please before you leave.
Me: Yes, sorry.
