Thief of Time - Early

And in that timeless moment the ghost of Mr Shoblang, to whom the scene was hazy and fuzzy as though seen through a gauze, said, 'This is just impossible! Did you see that?'

SEE WHAT? said a dark figure behind him.

Shoblang turned. 'Oh,' he said, and added with sudden certainty, 'You're Death, right?'

YES. I AM SORRY I AM LATE.

The spirit formerly known as Shoblang looked down at the pile of dust that represented his worldly habitation for the previous six hundred years. 'So am I,' he said.

He nudged Death in the ribs.

EXCUSE ME?

'I said, “I'm sorry I'm late.” Boom, boom.'

I BEG YOUR PARDON?

'Er, you know... Sorry I'm late. Like... dead?' Death nodded.

OH, I SEE. IT WAS THE 'BOOM BOOM' I DID NOT UNDERSTAND.

'Er, that was to show it was a joke,' said Shoblang.

AH, YES. I CAN SEE HOW THAT WOULD BE NECESSARY. IN FACT, MR SHOBLANG, WHILE YOU ARE LATE, YOU ARE ALSO EARLY. BOOM, BOOM.

'Pardon?'

YOU HAVE DIED BEFORE YOUR TIME.

'Well, yes, I should think so!'

DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHY? IT'S VERY UNUSUAL.

***

The Thief of Time - p127