Gilbert joined his mates in the White Harte, ready to report on his meeting with the hermit.
“I didn’t think you’d come this evening,” Jason sneered.
“Why not?”
“I was sure you wouldn’t meet up with the freak because you couldn’t be bothered to climb up to the woods.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, mate. We had a long and interesting chat.”
Jason threw back the rest of his beer in one gulp and stood. “Back in a minute, I’ll get a round in. You didn’t join his tribe, Bert, lad?” He sniggered as he walked over to the bar.
“Pay him no mind; he’s a twerp!” Walter said, impressed that Gilbert had kept his promise.
As soon as the drinks arrived, Jason said: “What did you find out about the weirdo?”
“That he’s not weird at all. He’s as sane a fellow as you or me.”
“Yeah, sure, that’s why he
