and then along came k. and said is this safe and i said the question is are you and he says what if  my shoes get wet and i say take them off k.

but no, a man in a white turtleneck an chinos like u.c. camouflage and white trainers, barefooting? no, that would be crazy. he waits a minute and a big wave wets his trainers.

i say nothing and smile beneficently.