Excerpt from FEVER CRUMB
by Philip Reeve
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“Fever is very young, to be sent out on such a placement,” said Dr Crumb.
“Nevertheless, Crumb, you’re always telling us how rational and capable she is. And it is perfectly usual for young Engineers to be sent out into the world. Only then do we find out if they are truly men of reason, or if they will fall prey to the world’s temptations. You did it yourself, Crumb.”
“Yes,” said Dr Crumb, looking suddenly flustered.
“Yes, I did, and it was a . . . a troubling period. Difficult. . .”
Dr Stayling went and stood at the window, gazing out across the great, smoky, unreasonable city. He said, “I always had high hopes for young Solent. As a young man he struck me as having a very rational mind. Made some interesting discoveries. Remember that old underground railway station down by the Marsh Gate? That was one of his finds. Remarkable state of preservation. Then he went and married some digger’s daughter, and that was the end of his usefulness. They busied themselves mooning about and having babies for a few years, and then the girl died, and ever since he’s just looked after the children while living off his
savings, which I should imagine are getting pretty low by now. I’m pleased to hear that he’s digging again. It is rational for the Order to encourage him in any way we can.”v
Fever thought that she liked the sound of Master Solent, although she knew it was irrational to form an opinion based on such little knowledge of him. Still, she looked hopefully at Dr Crumb, wondering if he would let her go.
Dr Crumb still looked troubled. He said, “Fever is a great help to me here, Dr Stayling. What shall I do without her?”
“Oh, I’ll ask young Quilman to come up and assist you, Crumb. He’s highly rational. And it is only for a short time; three weeks or a month. So pack your bag, Fever Crumb. You will be leaving for Ludgate Hill tomorrow.”
From Fever Crumb. Copyright © 2010 by Philip Reeve.
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