Death - shipwreck

Death was standing behind a lectern, poring over a map. He looked at Mort as if he wasn’t
entirely there.

YOU HAVEN’T HEARD OF THE BAY OF MANTE, HAVE YOU? he said.

“No, sir,” said Mort.

FAMOUS SHIPWRECK THERE.

“Was there?”

THERE WILL BE, said Death, IF I CAN FIND THE DAMN PLACE.

Mort walked around the lectern and peered at the map.

“You’re going to sink the ship?” he said.

Death looked horrified.

CERTAINLY NOT. THERE WILL BE A COMBINATION OF BAD SEAMANSHIP, SHALLOW WATER AND A
CONTRARY WIND.

“That’s horrible,” said Mort. “Will there be many drowned?”

THAT’S UP TO FATE, said Death, turning to the bookcase behind him and pulling out a heavy
gazetteer. THERE’S NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT IT. WHAT IS THAT SMELL?

***

Mort p27-28