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			As Ferny tended his bruises, Stoatie sat upon a wonky wooden milking stool opposite the child.  He glanced sideways at his supposed master and allowed himself yet another grin.
 Although firmly bound Fosco was un-gagged.  He tried a verbal jab at his gaoler.  "I'm going to get you too.  You don't stand a chance against me.  And all my family.  We're going to mash you to a pulp.  Even my sister is going to beat you up."
 
 Stoatie sighed and shook his head.  Once more he raised the back of his hand using it as a threat.  "Do what yer like to the gov'nor laddie but don't yer dare cross me.  He's got a plan or something going on in that head but I don't care if yer live or die."
 
 Fosco swallowed hard and was temporarily silenced. He began to look around the room, or was it a cave?  He was a resourceful boy, despite being quite a handful and was already seeking out a means of escape or at least a method by which he could even out the odds between himself and these two bullies.
 
				__________________Auriel
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