The dude on the right was more humanoid. He was dressed in rags and seaweed,

with a chain-mail coat made of bottle caps and old plastic six-pack holders. His

face was blotchy with algae, and his beard was overgrown. His deep blue eyes

burned with anger.

 

The seal, who had to be the god of the East River, said, "Are you trying to get

yourself killed, kid? Or are you just extra stupid?"

 

The bearded spirit of the Hudson scoffed. "You're the expert on stupid, East."

 

"Watch it, Hudson," East growled. "Stay on your side of the island and mind your

business."

 

"Or what? Y ou'll throw another garbage barge at me?"

 

They floated toward each other, ready to fight.

 

"Hold it!" I yelled. "We've got a bigger problem."

 

"The kid's right," East snarled. "Let's both kill him, then we'll fight each

other."

 

"Sounds good," Hudson said.