“How
can you know that?” my wife asked, “How can you know what someone
is doing at home, in private.”
“We
are the Forest,” Oak replied, “We have eyes everywhere.”
“So
the Forest watches everybody, all the time.” She was obviously
very upset at the thought.
“It's
not as intrusive as it sounds,” Oak said calmingly. “There is
more than just you that lives in your home. If these other occupants
see something unusual or unexpected, the Forest knows.”
Suddenly
the penny dropped. “The insects,” I exclaimed, “You're using
the insects, and mites, and whatever to spy on the world.”
“Not
using, they would be here anyway, but they are of the Forest. They
help maintain the balance.”
“Nobody
is ever hidden from you?” Mary asked.
“Some
manage it, from time to time, in laboratories mainly. But only one
man has ever hidden for an extensive period, Howard Hughes, and look
what happened there. Now, the last legend, if you please?”
