tree conversation brief encounter

Hi diddledee dee I see two pigeons up in a tree.

Looking into the window of Hall's Bookshop an old man and a small boy are in conversation. In reply to the boy's questioning  the old man says" Someone asked him, what would you do if someone shot at you? And  he replied,  'I would open an umbrella.' Not every one would go into battle  nowadays with an umbrella, but he did." Who the old man is referring to I do not hear. But I like the story and find myself envying the small boy for having grandfather who tells him such things.

Half way across  the Frant Road pedestrian crossing between Chapel Place and The Pantiles, I pass a neighbour coming the other way with grandchildren.   The lights are changing. I am spared the need to stop and exchange pleasantries. A good place to meet.