Nelly had waited for more than an hour for Claudio, but the parrot had still not appeared. She decided to drop the Numpti off at Downing Street and then trot on to Waterloo. Nelly knew the way to Downing Street but rarely went south of the river, but didn’t worry, the mainline terminus would be clearly signposted. Even so, the mare was nervous, and it showed as she deposited stuff that would be capital for the capital’s roses as she approached the Downing Street gates.
Elevated way above the police cordon, sitting on the cart bench seat, Numpti Azzer announced himself, saying he was here to speak to the prime minister and deputy prime minister. Nelly and her cart remained stationary, while the perceived driver zizzed in inebriated oblivion. The security guards were ready to let the rag-an
