Part 3 - The secret of the suitcase

Part 3 The secret of the suitcase

 

"That's rather a dapper suitcase Paddington" said Mrs Smith. "Where did you find it? "I had it especially made for this trip" replied the bear. "Do you like it? I can have one made for you if you like." Mrs Smith wasn't too sure if she was ready for 'brown' luggage yet or if indeed she would be able to fit anything inside. Poor old Paddington seemed so proud of it though, so not wanting to hurt his feelings she quickly changed the subject,  "Are you freelancing for the government?" She asked. "It's just that your case has OHMS on the outside" Paddington had been waiting for somebody to notice this and replied with a wide grin. "It stands for 'Only Holds My Sandwiches'." And with a flourish he opened the case.

The secret of the suitcase

Mr Smith put his head in his hands and groaned. "Haven't heard that one before." He muttered, but then a thought struck him. "Or in your case Paddington," he said. "It could stand for, Only Holds Marmalade Sandwiches!" Paddington gave Mr Smith one of his long hard stares, he should of thought of that one himself. This competition was now getting serious but he was blowed if he was not going to give Mr Smith the satisfaction of getting one over on him, or the point.  Mrs Smith looked at the pair of them. "Play nicely now boys," she chided, but there was no response. Each was starring intently at the other. Mrs Smith sighed. "I'll go and make some tea shall I?" And with that she got up and went out into the kitchen, quickly followed by a streak of fur. "About bloody time", thought the cat. "Its way past 4 o'clock. My stomach was starting to wonder whether my throat had been cut!" Mr Smith winced and rubbed his legs. The cat's running spikes had left their usual mark. One of these days he was going to have to get the cats claws trimmed and he wouldn't need a vet either. He had a nice pair of shears out in the shed!   "Well now," said Paddington, "Perhaps you could show me to my room please. The one at the rear of the house if you mind, it has a much nicer view." "What do you expect to see out of a suburban bedroom window?" asked a shocked Mr Smith. "The Hanging Gardens of Babylon? I expect you'll be wanting a bath as well." An evil glint had appeared in Mr Smith's eyes. "Perhaps I can run you a nice deep one!"  "I'll just have a quick splash in the sink if it's all the same to you." Paddington replied and quickly trotted off up the stairs.