'I am monitoring telephonic communications,' it said.
The nomes looked at one another.
Well, that's nice,' said Grimma. 'Isn't that nice, Masklin?' 'I have urgent information to impart to the leaders of this community. Are you aware that you are living in a constructed entity with a limited life?' 'Fascinating,' said Dorcas. 'All those words. You could imagine you could almost understand what it's saying. There's things up there,' he jerked his thumb to the floorboards above them, 'that're just like that. Radios, they're called. With pictures, too. Amazing.' 'Vitally important I communicate information of utmost significance to community leaders, concerning imminent destruction of this artifact,' intoned the Thing.
'I'm sorry,' said Masklin. 'Could you try that again?' 'You do not comprehend?' 'I don't know what "comprehend" means.' 'Evidently language has changed in ways I do not understand.' Masklin tried to look helpful.
'I will endeavour to clarify my statement,' said the Thing. A few lights flashed.
'Jolly good,' said Masklin.
'Big-fella Store him go Bang along plenty soon enough chop-chop?' said the Thing, hopefully.
The nomes watched one another's faces. There didn't seem to be any light dawning.
The Thing cleared its throat again. 'Do you know the meaning of the word "destroyed"?' it said.
'Oh, yes,' said Dorcas.
'That's what is going to happen to the Store. In twenty-one days.'
4
i. Woe unto you, Ironmongri and Haberdasheri; woe unto you, Millineri and Del Icatessen; woe unto you, Young Fashiones, and unto you, you bandits of Corsetry. And even unto to you, Stationeri.
ii. For the Store is but a Place inside the Outside.
iii. Woe unto you, for Arnold Bros (est. 1905) has opened the Last Sale. Everything Must Go.