Not really.

With my other interviews unavailable today, I spent the rest of my afternoon in the study, reading up whatever old newspapers that Howard and Gloria could find for me, if for nothing more than to familiarize myself with the usual goings on in Madosin. At about an hour before sundown, I collected my Coat and Hat, and made my way to the pub Samuel had invited me to.

When I arrived, I could not have felt more out of place. Not only was I seemingly overdressed, but I could count upon one hand how many Whites there were amongst the rest of the Colored people here. But it was all smiles and laughter abound at each table, with the occasional blush, I thought, upon the faces of any woman who's ears had the misfortune of the raunchy song of the cheerful band of singers and musicians. A heavy hand clapped itself upon my shoulder. "Mr. McKay! Welcome to the Queen of Harts!" it's owner said, the sonorous tones informing me that it was Samuel who had approached me.

I flinched at how casually he thought to put his hand upon my person, but seeing myself outnumbered, I merely smiled and nodded and returned a polite greeting.

Nodding and smiling back, Samuel navigated us towards the bar, underneath the crowned animal trophy for which the pub was named, and within a few quick moments, tankards of Beer were placed down before us. Picking his up, Samuel held it up to me, "To your Health, Mr. Mckay," he toasted happily.

"And to yours, Samuel," I replied, holding my tankard up, albeit more tentatively.

With another nod, he clunked our tankards together, and then proceeded to finish his in one breath. Thumping it onto the bar, he signaled that bartender for another. Not wishing to be rude, I began to drink mine. Not as aggressively, but certainly quicker than I usually would. Looking about the pub, I did not see anyone I recognized. "Are you here alone, Samuel?" I asked.

"Hm? Oh, do you mean Rebecca, Mr. McKay?" he replied. I nodded. "No, Rebecca's not here. She's a bit tied up at the moment."

An unnerving Thought entered my mind when he said that, and I balked. "When you say 'tied up', do you mean...?"