Tintin Forums

Hello again people

Something about Land of Black Gold has always bugged me, and it's in the first few panels.

Why DO the Thompsons and the gas station attendant seem so at odds with one another? Sure, the twins honked the horn several times and I'm sure that annoyed the attendant, but I want it to be more than that!

What's meant by "Think it'll go in?" Why don't the Twins respond to that?

Aaah! I must know what's going on in every level of communication here!

And why does the attendant seem so flustered when Thompson tells him to "Save a few drops for my lighter"? You can tell he's annoyed because of "As your lordship pleases," and the flying sweat particles. Why is this so intriguing to me? Is there something going on here in this first page that is "between the lines"? Or am I delirious because of my fever?

Hmmm... I wonder if gasoline could be used as lighter fluid. Could that be possible? And how could the gasoline be filled into the empty lighter without any mess?

It's due to the Thompsons making such a scene & then ordering very little. I can't remember the amount but I think it was only a couple of gallons. Thus the attendant's remark about whether it will go in, is just him being sarcastic. Continuing on from this is the demand that a couple of drops be kept for the lighter.
All in all the Thompsons are quite rude in this scene which superbly demonstrates their inherent lack of social skills & awareness.

Golf Tango Fox

The amount that the Thom(p)sons wanted was half a gallon.

Thanks, GTF! That makes sense.

You're welcome.

Many years ago, when I was young & before I knew any better, I used to think that the attendant was just being a snob towards the old car that T & T were driving & that the "do you think it'll go in" comment, was him seriously questioning whether that amount would go into that old clumker.
That was before I knew anything about, cars, how much half a gallon was(thanks Cigars) & the vintage of the Tintin Series.