MD3PAD 448-450

[Toby G Levy]

        Chapter 45 begins on page 448. Armand's duck has become the
topic of conversation everywhere the line travels. The duck has become a
superhero. Mason and Dixon despair at the need of the people to believe
in the possibility of artificial life. The duck takes offense to this
conversation and takes Mason's hat.

        Mason recalls that Vaucanson took some interest in the transit
of Venus and speculates that maybe he thinks that his disappeared duck
became a planet. Both Dixon and Armand think Mason is crazy to think
this. Armand runs back to the kitchen to get away from Mason.

Toby