So, Mr. Digence, home to visit the family?"<br /><br />"That's right. My mother's folks are from Killarney."<br /><br />"Oh, really?"<br /><br />"O'Reilly, actually. But what's a vowel between friends?"<br /><br />"Very good. You should be on the stage."<br /><br />"It's funny you should mention that."<br /><br />The passport officer groaned. Ten more minutes and his shift would have been over. "I was being sarcastic, actually. . ."<br /><br />"Because my friend, Mr. McGuire, and I are also doing a stint in the Christmas pantomime. It's <i>Snow White</i>. I'm Doc, and he's Dopey."<br /><br />The passport officer forced a smile. "Very good. Next."<br /><br />Mulch spoke for the entire line to hear. "Of course, Mr. McGuire there was born to play Dopey, if you catch my drift."<br /><br />Loafers lost it right there in the terminal. "You little freak!" he screamed. "I'll kill you! You'll be my next tattoo! You'll be my next tattoo!"<br /><br />Much tutted as Loafers disappeared beneath half a dozen security guards.<br /><br />"Actors," he said. "Highly strung.

Eoin Colfer