THE DAY OF THE DISSONANCE
105
off along with the bad.” His voice fell to a whisper. “I
was home, Roseroar! Home.”
“Ah am sorry fo yo, Jon-Tom. Ah really and truly am.”
“You’ve got a big heart, Roseroar. Along with every-
thing else.” He smiled at her, then walked toward the front
of the boat. Maybe he was wrong. Maybe there was still a
chance, however faint that seemed now.
The otter was leaning over the side. “How are you
going to find out where we are?” Jon-Tom asked.
Mudge glanced up at him. “That’s easy enough, guv’nor.
All you ‘ave to do is ask.” He turned his face to the water
racing past the prow and shouted, “Hey, you, where are
we?”
Jon-Tom peered over the railing to see the playful,
smooth, gray-backed shapes sliding easily through the
water, hitching a free ride on the boat’s bow-wave. One of
them lifted its bottle-nose clear of the surface and squeaked
a reply.
“You’re at half past a quarter after.” Giggles rose from
around the speaker as the rest of the dolphins vented their
appreciation of the little joke.
Mudge gave Jon-Tom an apologetic look. “Sorry, mate,
but tain’t easy gettin’ a straight answer out o’ this bunch o’
sea-goin’ comedians.”
“Never mind,” Jon-Tom sighed. “The fact that it
answered at all is proof enough of which world we’re in.”
“Hey:ya,” said another of the slim swimmers, “have
you guys heard the one about the squid and the Third
Mistress of Pack Thirty?”
“No.” Mudge leaned forward, interested.
The dolphin now speaking sidled effortlessly up to the
side of the speeding sloop. “It seems she…” Jon-Tom