The two of us rush out into the garden instead of escaping the white palace together. Someone might come through the white doors at the end of the hallway or from where I came from. 

“Why are we in the garden?” I complain. “We should just go out.” 

Although well-dressed, Pops is still Pops with his unglazed eyes. 

“I made a deal with Bear Cane that consents to my no drinking of the lake water, temporarily.”  ...