Part 227: Kellam B

What'n blazes am I gonna do now?

What's wrong, Donnel?

It's my plants- they ain't exactly thrivin'. Look how droopy and yeller they are! Sure wish I knew why it was. S'pose they might need more sun...

But why would only these plants here be affected? Those others seem fine.

A'yup. It's a real head-scratcher. *scratch, scratch*

Gosh darn it! I water 'em every day and talk to 'em each evenin'! Heck, I even tried singin'!

Perhaps they're not getting enough nutrients? A problem with the soil?

Well, now that you mention it... When we all rushed out to meet the last attack, some'a them pots got knocked over. I righted 'em as fast as I could and grabbed some earth to replace the soil what spilled.

Ah! Perhaps the earth you added doesn't suit the plants?

But how am I gonna replace it? If what you say is right, then the dirt 'round these parts ain't no good.

Well, we could skim a bit of the good soil from each of the healthy pots. There must be hundreds of them in the stores, so there's plenty to go around.

Say now... That might just work! You're as clever as an old fox, Kellam!

Oh, I'm no smarter than the next man. I just spend a lot of time alone. It gives me plenty of opportunities to think.

Donkey dung! I'd wager you're the cleverest fella in all the Shepherds!

That's kind of you to say, but I very much doubt it.

I got a copper coin what says you is!