The Confident Burp

Terence comes running back with a stick.

You're too late, says Vello. We've already found it.

My toe! cries Terence. Where is it!

Vello indicates a row of small pebbles. 

It will be one of these, says Vello. We're not quite sure which.

But you'll know, says Hedley's mother.

How? asks Terence. 

Think, says Gaius.

I'm thinking, says Terence. 

What are you thinking? asks Gaius.

This one! says Terence, choosing the biggest.

Hedley returns with a stick.

Did you find it? asks Hedley. 

Yes, says Terence. It's this one.

Hedley picks up the pebble.

Where was it joined on? asks Hedley.

Here, says Terence, indicating the place on his foot where the toe was.

It doesn't match up, says Hedley.

What does that matter? asks Terence.

It matters, says Gaius. The two surfaces must be aligned, for the fish glue to be fully effective.

But I want this one, says Terence. It's bigger.

Look, says Hedley's mother. This one may be yours. It has a faint toenail.

I never had a faint toenail, says Terence.

We'll take both, to be certain, says Gaius.

Very sensible, says Vello. And furthermore, I declare today's rehearsal over.

He has seen Belle in the distance, with a hamper.

And David and Pierre-Louis, not far behind.

And Sweezus and Arthur, heading in from the surf. 

Moments later, everyone is eating mini quiches and iced donuts from Belle's hamper, and drinking ginger beer.

Except Terence, who has his own red drink, in a bottle.

And Hedley, who is not allowed sugar.

When and where is the next rehearsal? asks Hedley's mother.

Velosophy office, tomorrow evening, six o'clock, says Vello. By then I expect the scientific machine to be well on the way to completion.

No worries boss, says Sweezus.

And everyone to know their lines, says Vello.

I haven't been given a part yet, says Pierre-Louis.

Then choose one, says Vello. 

What's left? asks Pierre Louis.

Let me see, Sweezus is Candide, David is Cacambo, Gaius is the old man....

We're the red sheep, says Terence.

And the children, says Hedley.

You can play the king of Eldorado, says Vello. It's a tricky part. Are you up to it?

What's so tricky? asks Pierre-Louis.

Your witticisms must be equally witty when translated from Peruvian, says Vello.

Your witticisms, surely? says Pierre-Louis

The witticisms are not in the original text, says Vello, but I'm sure you will manage.

No doubt, says Pierre-Louis, burping confidently.