Tate ate the bit of salmon, then deftly washed her face with a front paw. "I am pleased to see how tidy you are, young Tate," said Eloise with a smile. "Your mother was just as neat when she was your age." Eloise gazed into the distance, lost in thought. Tate, noticing that the sun was coming up, knew that she should continue on her way. Thanking Eloise for all her kindness and promising to visit again soon, Tate departed through the small door in the wall. The ground was cold and damp, and she shivered a little as she retraced her steps past the orchard and back into the village.
The Margot was still tied up at the dock, but the captain would probably stay here with his family for a while. Tate looked around for another means of transportation, and spied a milk truck stopped in front of a café. The driver was returning to the truck after dropping off his order, so Tate had to make a quick decision. Seizing the opportunity, she leapt into the back of the vehicle; the driver hadn't closed the sliding door completely, and she was just able to squeeze through the gap.