Laughing Matter

The Cave of the Mad God was like a maw -- destroying the souls it engulfed. But why didn't the curse work on Benno? 


excerpt

Sit down, mister; take the load off your feet. Plenty hot up here, eh? Especially when you're not used to it. 


Have I been on Venus long? Oh, not so long. I know, yes, I know. But you'd be astonished at how young I am. I'm sure you would. But then, a lot of things up here are surprising. Ha ha! 


A drink? Sure, anything you want. Even absinthe. After all, you're a long way from Boston, Mass. 


Do I know who? Benno? Benno Bates? 


Ah, I had a hunch you'd ask about Benno. What are you, a policeman, a husband or a bill collector? A bill collector, eh? Had te be one of the three, you know. Who else would be looking for Benno? 


That much money, eh? Well, I'm not surprised you came all this way to collect. 


No, I don't expect Benno soon. No, not tomorrow either. In fact, I wouldn't wait around here at all, if I were you. I don't think Benno will be coming in. 


Here, have another drink. No, no, I'm not giving you the business, as you call it. Here, have another drink.