Chapter NineI bundled Sam inside and abandoned him in the kitchen (without even checking any small valuables had been put away) so Miss Venture and I could get the light turning at once. The simple job of winding the engine, trimming the main wick, and checking levels was complicated by Miss Venture’s shaky hands, and I wondered uneasily if her sense of personal responsibility would hamper us during the Grand Expedition. There was little I could do to ameliorate her behaviour, so I pretended I hadn’t noticed how badly she performed under stress.
By the time we returned downstairs, Samir was examining the contents of Miss Venture’s cupboards. Fortunately I led the way, and he was able to guiltily close the doors and stand to attention before Miss Venture knew his light fingers had already
