The Drainer is unfazed by bulbs of blue ectoplasm secreted by the ooze. He has other things to worry about. Insects laying eggs in the crevices of his face are just one of many detrimental ramifications that come with this gruesome profession.

Vern Rotgut stopped dead in his tracks. Goo started to seep into his shoes, and the cloud of insects that had been trailing him now swarmed his head. To avoid swallowing the bugs he kept his mouth clamped shut, all the while vigorously blowing air out his nose in order to get rid of one that had crawled in.


This really is one of the most exciting weeks ever, he thought.

Photograph by Ed. van Wijk