Panel 1 — The useful part
The repairer tests the handle on the pot entered at the fair that morning. It holds. The customer reaches toward it.
REPAIRER: That holds. Three brass, as agreed.
CUSTOMER: Good. I need the pot.
Panel 2 — Distance
No receipt emerges from the cabinet's slot. Its cable disappears beyond the table; the pot has not gone anywhere.
REPAIRER: Receipt's waiting for the far ledger.
CUSTOMER: How far away is my handle?
Panel 3 — Together
The repairer gestures toward the cabinet. The customer rests a hand on the pot.
REPAIRER: It keeps both copies together.
CUSTOMER: With my supper between them.
Panel 4 — Copies
The repairer makes two matching paper slips and signs each beside the same repair and price.
REPAIRER: Two hand copies. Same price. I sign both.
CUSTOMER: When the box wakes up?
Panel 5 — Once
Three brass coins change hands. The repairer marks both slips paid and retains one against the waiting job; the customer takes the other.
REPAIRER: This job stays paid. It doesn't become two.
Panel 6 — Departure
The customer carries the repaired pot and receipt away. The repairer keeps the matching paid copy beside the cabinet, still awaiting acknowledgement.
REPAIRER: The far desk still hasn't answered.
CUSTOMER: Tell it we've gone home.