Verse 5
Charon counted the dead twice because the dead are notorious for arriving without correct documentation.
Liber Plutonis - Chapter 23
Verses
Verse 6
On the third crossing he heard a purr beneath the bench.
Verse 7
No animals, he said.
Verse 8
The cat looked at him with the expression by which cats repeal law.
Verse 9
One obol, said Charon.
Verse 10
The cat placed a dead beetle on the deck.
Verse 11
This is not legal tender.
Verse 12
The cat sat on the beetle and closed its eyes.
Verse 13
Halfway across Styx, three kings began arguing over who had possessed the largest kingdom.
Verse 14
The cat moved from lap to lap until each king stopped speaking for fear of disturbing it.
Verse 15
Charon said, At last, a theology with practical effects.
Verse 16
At the far bank the dead disembarked. The cat did not.
Verse 17
Where are you going? asked the ferryman.
Verse 18
The cat walked to the prow and faced the living shore. Charon sighed, turned the boat around, and invented the return ticket.