"Neither," Herbert asserts. "The cure has been 100 percent effective. If you, require it I will use small, simple words for you next time I make an announcement. I wouldn't wa-hant to tax your mind, too much."

There are so many people here who will take any leeway as an excuse. Herbert will have to be very careful with his words, apparently. How tedious. He wipes his hands on his trousers, attempting to remove the water that's dripped down from his sleeves.

"Are you immune to...cold as well as drowning?" Simple words, and impatient ones. "Do you, even need further supervision?"