#hamnpork

String uncoiled behind Sardines as he fell through the smoky air toward the frantic circle. He was right above Hamnpork, getting bigger and bigger... ...and slower and slower... He came to a stop between the dog and the rat. For a moment he hung there. He raised his hat politely and said, “Good evening!” Then he wrapped all four legs around Hamnpork. And now the rope of elastic bands, stretched to twanging point, finally sprang back. Too late, too late, Jacko snapped at empty air. The rats were accelerated upward, out of the pit -- and sopped, bouncing in midair, just out of reach.