They talked to him, persuaded him that his soul was in jeopardy, and carried him off during part of the Long Vacation to the Norfolk Broads, where prayer-meetings, collisions with other sea-faring craft, and tinned meats were the order of the day.
Olva had watched him with that amused incredulity that he so frequently bestowed upon his fellow-creatures.

How was this kind of animal, with its cowardice, its stupidity, its ugliness, its uselessness, possible?
He had never spoken to Bunning, although he had once received a note from him asking him to coffee--a piece of very considerable impertinence.

He had never assisted Carfax and Cards in their raiding expeditions, but that was only because he considered such things tiresome and childish.
And now, behold, there in his doorway--incredible vision!--was the creature--at this moment of--all others! "Come in," said Olva again.
Bunning brought his large quivering body into the room and stood there, turning his cap round and round in his hands.
"Oh, I say---" and there he stopped.
"Won't you sit down ?" "No--thanks--I----" "In what way can I be of use to you ?" "Oh! I say---" Senseless giggles, and then Bunning's mouth opened and remained open.
His eyes stared at Dune.
"Well, what is it ?" "Oh--my word--you know---" "Look here," said Olva quietly, "if you don't get on and tell me what you want I shall do you some bodily damage.

I've got work to do.

Another time, perhaps, when I am less busy----" Bunning was nearly in tears.