“So it means that humans are the source?” asked Clarence. “Can I ask you one more thing?”
“Okay.”
“What are those pictures on your arm?”
Mrs. Fields said, “Too many questions.”
“No, ma’am. It’s okay. That’s how they learn. That’s a giant bamboo. On my other arm, I have a giant squid.”
Louisa asked, “So you like giants?”
“Well, to paraphrase Isaac Newton, ‘If I’ve seen further, it’s been by standing on the shoulders of giants.’ Truth is, I’ve also seen further because of sitting on a motorcycle across many kilometers of highway.”
Clarence, Jane, and Louisa wanted to ask more questions, but Walt put pancakes in front of everyone and the talking was replaced by the sounds of forks and knives upon plates.
The three were fascinated by the stranger and made sure they ate slowly so they could stay as long as possible.
When he rose to leave, Jane spoke up, “Thanks for explaining ice cores and Isaac Newton.”
“My pleasure,” replied the stranger.
They heard a motorcycle engine outside and knew
he was gone.