Maurice departed with a strange look on his face, cradling a century-old cannonball as he went.
From behind the counter, Duncan watched the old man's retreating back with a smile that carried a hint of pleasure.
"...You really gave Mr. Maurice the cannonball," Alice muttered to herself.
"Really gave the cannonball to Mr. Maurice..." Nina followed, murmuring.
"I don't like cannonballs," Alice whispered, "especially not these."
Curious, Nina asked, "Why?"
Alice looked serious, "Because the captain once gave me eight of them..."
"Stop harping on about it," Duncan's voice suddenly came from the side. He glanced helplessly at the resentful Alice and at Nina, whose curiosity was clearly piqued, "Where did Sherry go?"
"She said she felt dizzy and had a headache from memorizing the alphabet, needed some fresh air," Nina stuck out her tongue, "but I guess by now, she's probably run off to the next block."