LOL, this chapter is no longer than the others! Enjoy!
Tintin looked more distressed than Captain Haddock expected him to be after finally returning home to Marlinspike Hall from a long adventure. He had dark circles around his eyes, indicating many sleepless nights, and was less enthusiastic than usual. After Nester brought tea and whiskey, they sat down in the living room, and Haddock asked Tintin what the matter was.
"It's Snowy," Tintin muttered in reply. Haddock was confused for a moment, before it dawned on his that he hadn't seen that energetic pooch at all since Tintin returned.
"What happened to him?" Haddock asked, concerned eyes looking intently at his friend.
"He fell overboard on the ship back home," Tintin explained, his voice shaking as he remembered the incident. "The man we thought was in prison had come aboard the ship, and tried to attack us. He kicked Snowy over, and escaped. They found no trace of him…" His voice trailed off as he stared down at his hands clasped in his lap. A silence passed between the two, as Haddock allowed what he just heard to sink in.
"Blistering barnacles, I'll have him hanged!" the Captain roared suddenly, rising abruptly from his seat, and shaking his fists. Tintin, startled at his sudden outburst, stared at him with wide eyes.
"Lot of good that'll do," he said. "It won't bring Snowy back." But Haddock didn't hear him as he began to pace around the room.
"Imagine that, doing such a thing to a poor innocent dog! The scoundrel!"
"Captain, please calm yourself," Tintin begged, not needing any more excitement today. Haddock looked at the boy, and sighed, seeing the sad, tired eyes. He slumped back into his chair.
"Why don't you go up to bed, lad?" he asked in a gentler tone. "You've had a long day." Tintin, not knowing what else to do, stood and headed to his room. Haddock sat back in his chair, resting his elbow on the armrest, and leaning his head against it, and sighed. What could he do to help poor Tintin?
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