Shade took out the letter as he spoke. Though it had been written only half an hour ago, he had not forgotten to dry the ink completely and press clear folds into the paper, lest anyone notice how new it was.
Bishop Morpheus opened the letter with considerable surprise. After scanning it twice, he asked in astonishment:
"Latt Augustus? Old Augustus is still alive, then. We haven't been in touch for many years."
"Yes. When I was in Tobesk, I often asked Priest Augustus for help. He holds quite a high reputation in our diocese."
Shade nodded, exchanged a glance with the Doctor, then said somewhat sheepishly:
"Come to think of it, there's something we're rather curious about as well."
He smiled.
"Priest Augustus mentioned something involving you. He said that when he was young and on assignment in Randall River Valley, he made a bet with you and lost Ten Pence, which he has never repaid. Could you tell us what you were betting on? I'm truly curious, since what Priest Augustus most often tells young people is to stay away from Rhodes Cards."
"He's still the same as when he was young."
Bishop Morpheus carefully folded up and put away the greeting letter from his old friend, whom he had not seen for so long, then sighed.
"That was many years ago. If you hadn't brought it up today, I would have nearly forgotten. Latt Augustus is quite an unusual man. To be honest, over all these years, I've never met anyone else as conservative, cautious, and devout as he is."
The bishop gave him exceptionally high praise, then smiled and shook his head.
"As for that old bet, I can't believe he still remembers it. Young men, perhaps you came here out of curiosity, but the answer