We have located the spot, says Gaius. The map was most useful. Where is Frances?
Got the afternoon off, says Roderick Coconut.
Well, please thank her, says Gaius.
Where is Terence? asks Humboldt. And the lobster, and our other dependents?
She took 'em, says Roderick Coconut. There was a big upset.
Took them? says Gaius Where to?
Back to Nanum, says Roderick Coconut. That little fellow of yours is easily distracted.
We know, says Gaius. But why was he in need of being distracted? I thought he was happily digging.
He was, says Roderick Coconut.
And? prompts Humboldt. What happened?
Long story, says Roderick Coconut. Seems that his pink rubber glove with the bandies inside accidentally dropped into the hole he was digging while he was over here talking to us about this and that.
This and that being? asks Humboldt.
Surely that is irrelevant, says Gaius. Did anyone get them out?
No one noticed, says Roderick Coconut, until the bandy bandies dug their way to the surface.
Leaving Pinky at the bottom, says Gaius. Which hole was it? I'll dig her out.
Hold it, says Roderick Coconut. Rules. Once a sapling is planted that's that. No going backwards.
What if you had dropped your watch in? asks Humboldt. Or a memento of a loved one?
Too bad, says Roderick Coconut.
Is this no going back a traditional rule? asks Gaius.
No, it's Rio Tinto policy , says Roderick Coconut. We've got 25,000 seedlings to plant, and a time frame.
So did I, says Humboldt. Perhaps if we fill in a form?
Go to the office, says Roderick Coconut. See what they say.
We shall, says Gaius. I need to ask permission to enter the new mine site at night.
I wouldn't do that, says Roderick Coconut.
Perhaps you're right, says Gaius . We'll just.... well.... least said the better.
Frances said she was taking them to Nanum beach, says Roderick Coconut. Show them the shorebirds and that. And buy them a noni-juice.
Thank you, says Gaius. We'll find them.
Gaius and Humboldt head off on their bicycles, back towards Nanum.
We should have marked the relevant sapling, says Humboldt.
That would have looked very suspicious, says Gaius. Terence will remember. If not, Kobo is sure to. She was fond of Pinky.
Yes, we all were.
How is she doing?
Being inert at the moment, she is not doing badly.
A worm passes by her. Wonders briefly. Who is she; why is she smelling of snakes?
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