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"No, I did not!" agreed the aggrieved Handle

"Think of it as valuable experience for your prospective switch in professions"

Handle was thoughtful "Bloodletting?"

"Exactly"

He was somewhat ht to feel better after resting covered in Sister Mattie’s poultices, but every part of her still ached Now all the little , also hurt She hobbled like an old lady

"I’ to check the lay of the land" She headed onto the balcony

They were flying quite lo, rooftops clearly visible although the er full, soes to get ahold of thehts London

Sophronia suppressed a shiver of apprehension Tonight I crash an airship On purpose

She squinted into the lights Was that…? Yes, a s the stealthily, a dark shape against the twinkling background

Somehow, Sophronia knew that this was her friends There was soh the air--intent, stylish, al

Sophronia unhitched the miniature crossbow fro bolts and created a satchel for it by weaving it through the lace edge of her red doily Into this she stuffed a hastily scribbled note, torn off the corner of herthis bolt back"

Only her particular friends would knohat thatand that ship was full of enee

The crossboas so s took twice as long as it ought She’d have to remember that in her calculations She took careful aiondola section of the approaching dirigible, now clearly visible

There was a distant shout, and then a pause, and then the ship dropped down and altered its approach Success!

Sophronia lie of plans! Handle, you are with me We take out the propeller room and free the sooties there first Headood professor would et there"

"What good could I possibly do?" protested Made If all works out as I hope, they will beus just outside the boiler rooirl?"

"I have capable friends," replied Sophronia

Handle said, "That our tea cake angel?"

"Dimity? Yes, I believe so Or someone sent by her"

"Good" Handle went all cheerful "She’s pri a tasty pastry"

"Not quite certain how that skill set has any bearing on this situation," objected Mademoiselle Geraldine