A teratoma, but no pistols

[heather_mist]

"'Come, let me have your pistols.  I thought as much: what's this?'
'A teratoma,' said Stephen sulkily.
'What's a teratoma?' asked Jack, holding the object in his hand.  'A kind of grenado?'
'It is an inward wen, a tumour: we find them, occasionally, in the abdominal cavity.  sometimes they contain long black, hair, sometimes a set of teeth:  this has both hair and teeth.  It belonged to a Mr Elkins of the City, an eminent cheese-monger.  I prize it much.'
'By God,' cried Jack, thrusting it back into the holster and wiping his hand vehemently upon the horse,  'I do wish you would leave people's bellies alone.  So you have no pistols at all, I collect?'
'If you wish to be so absolute, no I have not.' "

Post Captain, Chapter Three

Comments

[esteven]

Oh, thank you. This scene is a must. I guess I'd react like Jack, but it is always the last line that cracks me up
If you wish to be so absolute, no I have not.

*snorts and gets ready for work*

[heather_mist]

I adore Stephen pettish 'If you wish to be so absolute'! as if there was any halfway house between having pistols and not having pistols.

[esteven]

*nods*
Yes, it is much like 'a little pregnant'

[feroxargentea]

"A teratoma. I prize it much."

Stephen's prizes are much more prizeworthy than Jack's *nods*

(I love Stephen's sulkiness at being forced to confess!)

[heather_mist]

(I love Stephen's sulkiness at being forced to confess!)

So do I! It wouldn't be nearly as funny if he was all abject apologies, it a lovely contrast.

Stephen's prizes are much more prizeworthy than Jack's

Ship or teratoma? Ship or teratoma?
*looks from one to the other*
No contest! Here, catch!
*throws teratoma to ferox*
*runs hand appreciatiely over the lovely, lovely ship*

[feroxargentea]

Bah! My prize has hair AND teeth! :-D

Oh well, as we so often say, each to their own...

[heather_mist]

Well mine is weatherly, stiff and fast!

Phnarr, phnarr! *g*

[feroxargentea]

There's something to be said for a leisurely cruise. With maybe the odd hard blow to get the crew well worked up.

[heather_mist]

A good bang answers very well too. *nods*

Although, it is best if there is an actual emission too, firing blanks rarely has the same result.

[feroxargentea]

When Jack is in funds, he loves to expend a barrel or two. And if he's not, Stephen can help out.

[heather_mist]

Very true. Stephen is always ready to give his pf a hand if it is needed.

[feroxargentea]

Hey, new improved icon *approves*
Does that mean you've been procrastinating again?

[heather_mist]

I'm glad you like it! It's not verbatim, but it gives a flavour.
Hmm, a flavour of teratoma... Teratomas are not good eating I should imagine.

Not as who should say procrastinating, just 'musing alternatively' :-) Goats have now completed 2/3rds of the track. Fingers crossed for tomorrow. Or Saturday am at worst.

[feroxargentea]

*crosses fingers*

I should imagine teratomas are rather difficult to carve. Randomly occurring tissues - hair, teeth, whatever - being in their nature.

[esteven]

ell mine is weatherly, stiff and fast!
Sounds like Jack!

[heather_mist]

Very fast if well handled...

[esteven]

*g*
I have it on the best authority that Jack can board and carry an enemy frigate with guns roaring and drums beating in a couple of minutes