"So when do we leave?" he asked, eyes bright. It was very difficult to tell whether he was joking or not. Perhaps not even he knew for certain.

"You could just tell her I fell overboard trying to save us from sea monsters. She'd never think to check the boat for residue. She doesn't know I'm sweet." That was it. He couldn't get another word out without dissolving into laughter. Now who was being awful with the humor? He rolled his eyes at himself and put his face in his hands briefly.

"I say let's do it. Do or die. Never say never." He stood and reached down for the pole with the hook on the end specifically designed for raising the traps. He offered it to her with a flourish that had him staggering a step or two to keep his footing. Clearing his throat and pretending it didn't happen, he said, "Would you like the honors of the first trap?"