He Arches And Spasms

Normally, Arthur wouldn't think of scrambling down a cliff and swimming across to a bird sanctuary, to save a bird on a mission.

It makes sense to him now.

Coming? says Arthur, to Sweezus.

He starts scrambling down the cliff path without waiting.

Heck! says Sweezus. I'd better go with him. He might have concussion.

Might he? says Gaius. He did look peaky.

Yeah, he fell off the mezzanine, says Sweezus.

I knew someone would, says Gaius. I thought it would be Terence.

Terence isn't listening. He is shaking the specimen jar, to re-animate his beetle.

Stop it! cries Baldy. Come and watch Arthur. He's going to swim over and rescue Saint Roley.

No way, says Sweezus, heading down the cliff path.

The tide is out now.

The atmospheric grotto is accessible.

Arthur has reached the bottom, and seen it.

He has gone in.

Sweezus is looking seaward, and doesn't see Arthur.

He strikes out for the Ile des Landes.

Is that Arthur, in the distance?

No, it's a dolphin.

From the grotto Arthur sees Sweezus swimming towards the island.

Don't go far off, thinks Arthur. A day is long....

Arthur wouldn't normally quote Pablo Neruda, his friend and rival.

He really might have concussion.

Sweezus has developed a toe cramp.

Jeanne Jugan is watching him from the cliff top. He arches and spasms.

I'm calling the coast guard! says Jeanne Jugan. That young man is in trouble. And the other one is missing.

Which one is missing! cries Gaius. Not Arthur!

As if it matters.

Jeanne calls the coast guard.

By this time, Sweezus has recovered, after rubbing and stretching his toes. He is an experienced swimmer. He has almost reached the island when the coast guard arrives.

On the island Saint Roley and the oystercatchers are winding up business.

Now, are you certain? says Saint Roley.

Yes, says Osette. And if we forget, we've got the cheeses.

And they are? says Saint Roley. Remind me.

Up there, out of danger, says Osie. Is it October?

How should I know? says Saint Roley. Let's ask that guy.

It's Sweezus, coming ashore, board shorts dripping.

Is it October? asks Saint Roley.

Like, who needs to know? asks Sweezus.

We do, say the oystercatchers.

Sweezus hates birds. He can't help it. They just give him the creeps. And where is Arthur?

The coast guard calls out through a megaphone.

Attention, monsieur! Que faites-vous ici? Répondez!

Shit! What's the best thing to say?