The stone in Michael's hand abruptly sails across the bar like a tiddlywink, landing in front of Joe. A bright red blush spreads across his face and down his neck.
"Yes?" Michael squeaks, and takes a large sip of his tea in a desperate attempt to hide his confusion. Despite the fact his mug has been empty for the past ten minutes, it seems to help him.
"Pardon me..." He loosens his scale hauberk. "It seems to have gotten a little warm in here. Must be the tea."
Joe comes over soberly, bearing the rock on a napkin-covered tray.
"Your rock, sir." he declaims in a rich plummy tone.
"Err, yes. Thank you." Michael replies sheepishly, and puts the rock back in his belt pouch.