Me: Any news on Benjamin and Henry?
Nell: No. Princess and Our Penguin came back. She circled Drake’s Island for hours but there was no sign. She’s exhausted.
Me: Brave seal.
Nell: David is beside himself with worry. He only had two boiled eggs this morning and no cereal.
Me: He thinks it’s his fault. My poor Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: He and Harriet have gone down to the front gate to check for any incoming seagulls in the hope that Benjamin has managed to get away.
Me: Have you seen Our Penguin’s video?
Nell: Yes. I’m afraid so.
Me: Tell me.
Nell: On landing Benjamin and Henry were immediately accosted by a battalion of Beefies.
Me: That’s not a very nice welcome.
Nell: It got worse. They grabbed his hat and stamped on it.
Me: But Henry was hiding in the hat.
Nell: Fortunately Henry leapt out and managed to hide in Benjamin’s feathers. All that Gliding with Gladys is coming in useful.
Me: Are we sure?
Nell: Yes. Henry wasn’t fit at all until he started her classes.
Me: No. I mean sure that Henry is safe?
Nell: Benjamin was still wired at that point so Henry was able to send news to Horst.
Me: What happened next?
Nell: A particularly large Beefy with a broken beak and a leather jacket started emptying Benjamin’s rucksack.
Me: Not the rock cakes?
Nell: Yes, and the stale baguette.
Me: So Benjamin was weaponless?
Nell: Quite. Then the thuggish Beefy said ‘Stale food? Well, Tank Top Tiddler. We’d better take you to the boss. You’ve got some explaining to do.’
Me: Tank Top Tiddler? I know Benjamin is quite a small seagull but that’s just unkind.
Nell: That’s not the point. We’ve heard nothing since then.
Me: Oh dear. Sorry.
