The Borrowed Adze Tag

A found paper of Sogmarsh — recovered still tied to the adze. The tag has more owners than the tool.

THIS ADZE belongs to CLEM WHERRY and is LENT, not GIVEN, to whoever now holds it — who knows exactly who they are. Return it sharp, return it dry, and return it before you need it again yourself. A tool lent and not returned is not a theft in the Drownings. It is a friendship ended, which is worse. — C.W.

— the chain of hands, added below, one under the next — "Borrowed of Clem for the Tuppny stilt. Back by the neap. — Wet Tom." "Borrowed of Wet Tom. Will return to Clem direct, sharp and dry. — Nobby Sculls." "Borrowed of Nobby, who says it's his. It is not his. — Ma Skeel." "Returned to Clem. Sharp. Dry. Early. — Ma Skeel." (Clem has kept this tag. It is the only tool in the Drownings ever returned early, and he means to have it read at his funeral.)