I returned the buck to the rabbit house next morning, the air was crisp and clear and the scent of juniper, corriander and angelica wafted lightly over the snow.

Another fall of snow had occured during the night, so the burnt areas were covered over. After checking that the rabbits all had sufficient straw, hay, water and food pellets I went up to the belvedere to get an aerial view of the damage. The impacts formed an almost perfect circle around the House, fortunately no one had been hurt except for one sprained ankle sustained running along a corridor to keep the Saltaire in view. The countryside covered in snow was rather lovely.

I went down to breakfast and found the captain looking very fragile and trying to eat a slice of dry toast without making a noise.
'How are you this beautiful morning?' I asked unsolicitously.
'Did I really use gin to bombard the garden?'
'Yes, It was quite spectacular. You must tell me how you contrived gin bombs.'
'I don't remember - except that it seemed like a good idea at the time.'
I found some kedgeree, and carried my plate to the table, at which point the captain uttered a small distressed sound and left, followed by one of the security team. Other members of staff appeared. Madam Fifi was very taken with the officer who had coordinated the daring ascent to the gondola.
'Who was that masked man? Do we know his name?'
'I suspect that he wished to remain anonymous. He was rather dashing though.'
'The way he climbed up that rope, it was most astonishing, but than he climbed inside and I could not see any more - then there was the great poof of gin - really 'orrible.'
'It was still there when I went out this morning.'
'It is so cold still - is the heating broken?'
'No - it is just that everyone opened windows and let out all the heat from the building last night. Perhaps we should get some steam from the Saltire to warm the place up again.'
'Oh that would be good. I am always cold here.'
'Are you? I did not realise - I will make you something warm to wear.'
'Ah but the things you make - I am sorry, but they are not stylish.'
'They are only intended to be warm - but if you show me what you would wear I will try to make it for you before the really cold weather arrives.'
Madam Fifi shuddered, but I finished eating quickly and went to find out who amongst the Saltires would be able to engineer a steam hose from the air ship to the House.

By noon the heat was percolating through the building, and I went to the cellars to make sure that the cold room was not being affected. The chill was unchanged, so I returned to the ground floor and noted that it was snowing again. The last of the Saltires who had not chosen between the two colours of fur for their sporrans came to me with a request to see them again, in daylight this time, and before long they had all made a decision except the captain, who seemed unable to decide. I suggested that he consult Hamish, and he carried the sporrans off to the appartment. He was looking a little less wan by then.
I checked that the gels were practising innocent Christmas fare and looked in on the trainee chefs, who were working on croissants.