6?

Lousewort staggered up over the tide line under the weight of a large circular ships steering wheel. It was a great heavy piece of work, solid oak, decorated with copper studding, now moldy and green.

Sneezewort stood tending their fire, over which he was roasting some old roots and the dried frame of a long-dead seabird. He shook his head in despair. “Ahoy, puddenbum, where dyer think yore goin wid that thing?

Smiling happily, Lousewort stood the wheel on its edge. “Er, er, looka this, its a beauty, izzenit, mate? Ill wager tis worth a lot, thing like this ....

Sneezewort snorted at his slow-witted companion. “Oh, its a beauty, all right, and it will be worth somethin. After youve carried it back an forth across the country fer seven seasons an found a new ship to match up wirrit. Great ole useless chunk o rubbish, wot do we need wid that thing? Get rid of it afore ye cripple yerself carryin it!

He gave the wheel a hearty push, sending it rolling crazily off into the darkness. There was a crash, followed by the outraged roar of the big nasty weasel.

“Belay, who threw that? Ooh, me footpaw! Ill carve the blackguard up inter fishbait anang im from me ook!

In their panic the two dithering rats ran slap into each other twice before tearing off to hide in the darkness.

Damug tossed the remnants of the fish to Lugworm and wiped his lips upon the orange cloak.

“Keep an eye open whilst I sleep. Oh, and pass the word around: I want every Rapscallion painted red for war when we march tomorrow, fully armed and ready for slaughter!