Me: We had to walk an awfully long way to get to the sea, didn’t we?
Nell: Harriet ran the whole way.
Me: She never walks on the beach. She only runs straight into the sea.
Nell: How she can swim in such cold water is completely beyond me.
Me: I saw you and Dave looking at her in amazement.
Nell: Horses swim, you know.
Me: Do they?
Nell: Yes. John Mane is seriously considering swimming over to the island.
Me: I’m not sure that’s a good idea.
Nell: Sir Roger Blubbery has advised him against it.
Me: You do realise he isn’t actually a Sir, don’t you? Poppy knighted him with her sword.
Nell: Exactly.
Me: What does that mean?
Nell: If it’s good enough for Poppy, it’s good enough for me.
Me: Which means I have to agree with you.
Nell: Correct.
Me: What did Sir Roger say?
Nell: There are strong currents and rip tides around the island.
Me: If seals struggle, then horses definitely will. Why was John Mane even considering it?
Nell: They won’t take horses on the sea tractor.
Me: How horseist of them.
Nell: I agree. Shocking.
Me: Couldn’t he just wait for the tide to go out and gallop over?
Nell: That might be the answer.
Me: It’s your birthday tomorrow.
Nell: I know.
Me: You’re going to be 12.
Nell: I’m aware of that.
Me: Which is quite old in dog years.
Nell: Thank you for pointing that out.
Me: Do you want a big party, or would you prefer something more sedate and low key?
Nell: A small get together will suffice.
Me: Are you sure?
Nell: A quiet lunch, or afternoon tea, would be lovely.
Me: What about a bouncy castle?
Nell: Senior Labradors don’t bounce.
Me: No. Sorry.
