Despite his lack of interest, I had to keep him out and about for awhile. Even the short version of the tour takes some time and, if we returned too soon, Cuthbold would know there had been a problem. I did my best to keep things moving and energetic but Professor Smith-Smythe's visibly growing boredom fought against my cheerfulness.
This came to a head as I led him from the Samson building towards Zeidler. He released a mighty sigh that caused me to turn to him. “I am sorry. I've been on a number of these tours before and the buildings just don't change much. I mean, one classroom looks much like the rest.”
“If it makes you feel any better,” I noted, “we are almost done.”
He grinned. “It does actually, yes.”
Encouraged by this, I added “This is the 'fun' stuff I save for last. This building has the cafeteria, the studios, the bar...”
I was stopped at this point, both in my speech as well as in my pace. This concerned me slightly. Being outside on this hot, humid day was unpleasant and I desired the air conditioning within. “I'm sorry, do I understand you to say that there is a public bar within that building? On campus?”
It wasn't clear to me what his opinion of this statement happened to be. I responded instinctively and truthfully. “This is Wisconsin; we have bars everywhere.”
“Really? What a remarkable land. Why have I never visited before?” Perhaps instinctively he licked his lips. “Any chance it's open at the moment?” I nodded. Its mid-afternoon, of course its open. “In that case, why are we standing around here?” He strode off quickly, forcing me to step quickly to keep up. “You should have started the tour there. And ended it there as well.”
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