. and your hair has grown a bit long. I can see how some people might take a quick glance and think you were a girl.”He scowled down into his lap. �...�So that’s all it takes? Grow my hair long and suddenly I’m a girl?”“There’s a bit more to it than that,” I said, not even trying to hide my smile. “But most of the differences aren’t really important until you get to be a teenager.”“Oh, you mean puberty and stuff?” he asked.I nodded. “You don’t have to worry about that for a few years yet.”He. .. nothing.I kept thinking that maybe I was on hold or something. Or that I'd failed to see the sign that had said "Out to lunch". I certainly didn't want to stand around in the dark, and I was sort of missing the birds at this point, as I'd forgotten to bring them along with me. So I went back. Back to the mountain, sat down and waited.Who knows how long I sat there waiting. A year? A day? A century or two? Who the hell knows. I certainly didn't have a watch, couldn't even produce one. And who. . I shall miss tickling you there!" Sheilaconcluded.I was appalled - speechless and appalled."So you see, Fifi. You no longer need to be flat-chested when you are apony girl!"My jaw sagged at the enormity of all the revelations - but I did getconsoling hugs and kisses.- - - -I stood there patiently as they harnessed me to the cart."Why do I have to be tied in Reverse Prayer?" I demanded petulantly,"I don't even understand why my arms should be bound at all!"Barbara inserted my bit gag and. "Goodness no! I'll be out of this profession long before my sell-by date. What I do next I really don't know. And I don't really want to think about it. Growing old really depresses me. I hope I never have to get older than my teens!"Zabba abruptly broke away from Ana and Binta, and swam a length of the baths. The other two followed behind, Ana enjoying the lash of the water against her body as she kept pace. They arrived at the shallow end, where Zabba stood to rub the water out of her eyes.