A Fishy Tale

---

"Ah, Mr Hornblower!"

"You sent for me, sir."

"Indeed I did.  Did you enjoy your time ashore?"

"Indeed, sir.  Very much."

"Then come and give your captain a proper greeting."

"Yes, sir, but.... mmf..."

"By God, sir, you've been eating fish!"

"Yes, sir.  I, uh, was going to warn you but..."

"I can smell it on your breath.  Smoked haddock?"

"Yes, sir.  Sorry, sir.  Is it very bad?"

"Here, have some wine.  That should remove the worst of it."

"Thank you, sir."

"Now where were we?"

"I believe your tongue was in my mouth, sir."

"That will do - to start with!"

"Aye, aye, sir!"

<long pause>

"You know I can still taste that fish."

"Sorry, sir.  I shall drink some more wine."

"Swirl it around your mouth."

"Yes, sir."

<pause>

"Now let us begin again. Where were we?"

"As I recall, my tongue was half way down your throat, sir."

"So it was, Mr Hornblower. So it was."

<l-o-n-g pause>

"Do I still taste of fish, sir?"

"Fish?  What fish was that?"

*   *   *