"Well, someone has to do it," he said, laughing. "It's not a bad job. It's a necessary thing in many places. And an honorable profession. And, besides, the executioner gets his fee--from one side or the other. From the friends of the condemned to keep the axe sharp, from the enemies of the condemned to keep it dull."

He looked down at his hands, then up at her again.

"Do you want more stories or shall I climb up there next to you?"