Magnificent Carrot

Baby Pierre and Ouvert remain hidden (they hope) in the grass.

The gardening woman had not noticed them when she recovered her string.

But Belle knows what to look for.

Baby Pierre! says Belle. What a lovely surprise.

Baby Pierre realises that he has been outed.

He steps forward, as does Ouvert.

Hello, Belle, says Baby Pierre. What are you doing out here?

Heading for Le Havre, says Belle. Is that where you're going?

Yes, says Baby Pierre. I was walking.

Stupid, says Terence.

Heh heh, croak the frogs.

And I met this guy, says Baby Pierre. We've established a bond.

A stealing string bond, says Terence.  We know. Roo-kai told us.

Roo-kai looks away.

His name's Ouvert, says Baby Pierre.

Hello, says Ouvert. I'm only going as far as the end of the Parc Naturel du Vexin.

That's not far, says Belle.

His name can't be Ouvert, says Terence.

Unless I am Ouvert, says Ouvert.

Okay, says Terence. Who's your girlfriend?

Okay, says Ouvert. I admit I'm a different Ouvert. I don't have a girlfriend.

Who is his girlfriend? asks Quiet-tartus.

He hasn't got one, says Terence.

You tricked me! says Ouvert.

No, not you, says Terence. Real Ouvert does have a girlfriend. But she doesn't like him.

Who is it? asks Belle.

Lavender, says Terence.

Oh, right, says Belle. Hey, would you boys like a lift? 

Baby Pierre is about to say no thanks when he sees the gardening woman approaching, with a carrot.

Yes, says Baby Pierre.

Belle picks up Baby Pierre and Ouvert, and drops them into her basket beside Terence.

Move over! says Terence. 

You can't feel me, says Baby Pierre.

That's what you think, says Terence.

The gardening woman waves the carrot.

Magnificent carrot! says Belle.

Would you like it? asks the gardening woman. For your journey?

How kind, says Belle. You are a good person.

The gardening woman smiles. She is proud of her carrot.

Belle takes the carrot, which is encrusted with dirt.

She jams it into her basket, next to Terence, says au revoir once again to the gardening woman and pedals away.

Great, says Terence, to the carrot. You're all we needed.

This sounds like good news to the carrot.