Some months ago, I was hurrying to the high street to make some urgent purchases when I was accosted by a waif in a state of great peturbation . He proceeded to recount to me a tragic tale of how his lorry had been hijacked by armed ruffians while making a delivery to a nearby factory. "Why, that's abomnable, my man!" I cried, "We must summon the beadle forthwith!" As I strode out towards the Police Station, a shabby building that periodically bursts into flames as incarcerated delinquents make incendiary protests as to their innocence, I became aware of the poor fellow trotting along beside me, gibbering excitedly . "I've already informed the Police," he snapped, "and they're useless. It isn't worth even going there again." "Well, what are we to do then?" I enquired. "I need to get a bus to Campinas," he said, a city that lies a good two hours away by road. " Do you happen to have any money to help m...
Wistful reflections, petty glories.