nypeopleareextremelycarelesswiththeirpassportsespeciallyolderpeople.

    Ivealwaysbeenverycarefulwithmypassport.

    Especiallyolderpeoplewhoaresometimesvagueetful,aitantofadvangage.

    AreyousuggestingImbeingsenile?

    GhastlylookoftheDeadFather.

    Ohno,saidThomas.Notseforamoment.IjustthoughtitmightbebetterifItookcareofyourpassport.Wearecrossingfrontiersandallthat.Letmehaveyourpassport.

    No,saidtheDeadFather.Iwillnot.

    Iknewanoldpersononcewholostormisplacedhispassport,saidThomas.Stoppedbytheborderpolice,atacertainborder,hecouldnotfindorlocatehispassport.Therehewasattheborderstation,frantic,diggingthroughhissuitcases,pattinghimselfonthechest,turningouthispockets,andthenbatothebaggage.Theamusedtolerahebuardsturningintoimpatieherswaitingbehindhiminline,assortedloafersandjeerersloafingandjeering.Nottomentionmembersofhisownpartynervouslydrummingfiipsoneveryavailablesurface.Theentiregroupwasforcedtoturnbadreturntopointin,allbecausethisoldcoothadthoughthimselfabletotakecareofhisoort.

    TheDeadFatherreachedinsidehiscloakandproducedawreenpassport.

    Thankyou,saidThomas.Yousee?Itsbent.

    Iionofpassportinwhidrycreaseswereseeable.

    Onlyalittlebent,saidtheDeadFather.

    Theindividualspassportisthepropertystrictlyspeakingoftheggoverandthereforeshould,evenalittle.Abentpassportmakessuspectthepetehepassportholder.

    Idontlikethis,saidtheDeadFather.

    What?askedJulie.What,dearoldman,dontyoulike?

    Youarekillingme.

    W