ATDTDA (15): A counterfeit mission, 406-413 #3

[Paul Nightingale]

The decision to go find Alonzo Meatman echoes/replays the earlier visit to
Plug at the Lollipop Lounge. At the LL, Darby and Chick first have to
negotiate Tiny (399); here, the "young person of neglected aspect" (410, the
opposite of Tiny, then) is himself Alonzo, although this only becomes
apparent later. On 399, Darby to Tiny: "Try not to step on us." On 410,
confronted by not-yet-Alonzo, Darby seeks "his regulation-issue
'preserver'"; and then, after the vanishing act, Chick suggests a retreat
"before we meet a similar fate" (411). At the end of Ch29 Dr Zoot indicated
the danger attached to their pursuit of Alonzo (405), so one might expect a
degree of apprehension; yet this hasn't deterred the Chums (evidently their
continued inquiries are an antidote of sorts to "unreflective
participation").

Following the dispute that ensues outside the tavern Chick meets Alonzo and
the section ends with a recap of the FICOTT, "initial bickerings" leading
"into all-out academic combat" (412). Apparently the SOD Clause means that
Chick will opt out of the "night of hell-raising" the others are enjoying
(no doubt mindful of "genial revenance"). Cf. Chick's "air . of scholarly
curiosity" when visiting Dr Zoot (403). Cf. also the failure to find, at the
dump, "the model of machine in which Dr Zoot had dispatched them" (409),
following which they decide (perhaps reluctantly?) to go find Alonzo. On
405, Dr Zoot asked that his name not be mentioned, which suggests he hasn't
warned Alonzo of the Chums' interest in him. So how does Alonzo know they're
looking for him (410)?