Appleby

I'm back again. I thought I heard some shouting. "They've closed the bridges". So I ran down to English Bridge and it was blocked. There was a cordon across it.

Chalgrove

But the traffic is flowing. I can see cars crossing the river.

Chalgrove rarely takes a stand but he won't tolerate an inaccuracy. He's also very keen not to participate in any of the odd experiences which inevitably arrive when one listens to Appleby.

Appleby

They had big red barriers and signs. There was a name. A Latin name.

Broadstairs

Reciprocus. There.

A pair of large rubbish bins in the alley across the road were stamped with that very label.

They looked about them.

Ten red flags which hung from the Market House were embroidered with one identical word. Like battle standards for some unifactional war, where everyone in the family claims the same crest.

Wherever they turned they saw it on billboards and shop signs. Even the Cenotaph bore the brand of Reciprocus.

Chalgrove

That's extraordinary. I'm sure I didn't see that before. I think we should leave.

Broadstairs

Appleby, where are you going? I want everyone to stay together. Remember we've got a train to catch.