The table by the wall was not actually placed right against it, so people could sit on all four sides. The professor and his two companions had not yet been served lunch. Only after Shade had ordered his own meal did they begin talking.
"What a surprise, Mr. Watson. Fancy running into you again so soon."
Professor Brownell was quite enthusiastic, while the two young men who looked like students were more reserved:
"After meeting you last time, I included everything you told me about the natural environment and human geography of the Pantanar Area in my next paper. Once the negotiations between the two countries are over, I've been thinking of going to Pantanal for another survey. There must be plenty of mineral veins there."
"Then I wish you success, Professor."
Shade raised his glass of water. He enjoyed dealing with scholars like this.
"No one has conducted any proper research in the Pantanar Area for so many years. Only now, with both countries planning to develop The Swamp and allowing access to areas that used to be forbidden, has this opportunity arisen. Professor, seize this chance and you'll definitely become famous."
"Academic research should not be pursued for fame, though fame would certainly be nice if it came with it."
The professor spoke modestly, then chatted with Shade for a while about the local weather. Green Lake Region had seen only a single light rain this spring, and Professor Brownell believed that it would probably begin raining continuously next week.
Only after the drinks and food had been served did Shade finally ask:
"Professor, did you come looking for Rotten Eye Barry because you're searching for someone too? I've recently been investigating some interesting matters. If I get results, I'll write a detective novel for my next book."