This strategy isn't paying off the way Cuthbert had anticipated and now he's starting to grow impatient with waiting. He's also accutely aware of the silence all around him, and since he's trying to attract someone to him anyway he might as well go big or go home.

"I know you're out there," he yells in all directions. "Or they would come and crown me winner. Let's palaver, you and I, whoever you are. Sit a spell and speak, and no killing. You have my word."