"Especially when in strange places, around strange people," Childermass adds pointedly, still watching the merman as he says that. If anything, that almost sounded like a warning being issued, perhaps along the lines of 'careful around people you don't know'. Whether or not the merfolk around them take that to heart, well, it's done mattering to him, though they do mutter some over there. Mostly, they don't get what Childermass's problem is.

But that's it. Since he's decided against an actual fist fight, it's best not to linger. He'll turn away from the merman and his friends, gesturing for Susan to follow along with a wave.

"Come along. I'd rather not stick around here right now."