Brownie Management

"Thanks very much, Mister Foxglove," Dubb said as Koppin tucked their reclaimed ball under his arm.

"It's only a pleasure - Dubb, isn't it? Ah, yes, I remember. You're the lad who borrowed Creakeazy's Life of Moles."

"Yes, sir, and this is my friend Koppin. That book was fascinating, sir. I didn't realise there was so much to know about moles until I read it."

Foxglove beamed. "There's nothing like a good book to whet the appetite for learning, is there? I tell you what, why don't you come into the library and see if you can find anything else you'd like to borrow?"

"That sounds wonderful!" Anticipation danced in Dubb's eyes.

Koppin coughed and looked over his shoulder at the lane where they'd been playing.

"You'll be all right, Koppin. You see, Mister Foxglove, Koppin's afraid he might be allergic to books, but I'm sure he can't be."

Foxglove chuckled. "Well,  you may be allergic to books, Koppin, but I hope you're not allergic to apple pie and cream."

"No sir!"

"Well then, if you survive my library, I think I can make it worth your while." He winked.

Koppin grinned. "That sounds all right, sir."

Dubb looked up admiringly. "I think you're an expert at managing brownies, Mister Foxglove."