Edward and Edwina were sitting in the shelter in their special gowns
We await our cocktails but the hour is late
And the hotel is closed
Then we are arranged for nothing
The pair then fell silent and watched as the darkness overcame the sea
It had been raining for about five minutes when a fish in a waiter’s uniform came up to them
May I take your order?
But the hotel is closed
I am the night porter
Well I will have a blue cocktail and my wife will have a green one
As blue as the night and as green as the sea
The fish disappeared in the direction of the hotel and within ten minutes had returned with the chosen cocktails on a silver tray
Do you have a room free in your establishment?
I regret not as the hotel is full with a conference of Herrings
Then we will spend the night here and match the dawn
I will bring you a blanket and a flask of scotch as it is going to be a long night sir
As they swam in the early light of the morning Edward and Edwina met the night porter in the sea
You swim well sir if I may be as bold
When I am in Deal with my wife we swim every morning no matter the weather
Then within the hour your room will be ready,breakfast is at eight
As Edward dressed on the sloping beach he called out to his wife who was still swimming in the sea
Hurry my dear or the breakfast will chill as it is a few minutes past eight already
Forgive me my darling as I am adjusting my tail. It would not do for the good people of the town to share our secret would it now?