White Smartie

And where is Terence?

And where is Belle for that matter?

Belle has been looking for Terence, who has been looking for Sweezus and found him and Arthur, in a bar.

It's not the best place for Terence.

So Belle has come back with Terence to Pierre-Louis's show.

Terence sits down next to Hedley.

Is this a good show? asks Terence.

He was throwing us Smarties, says Hedley. I saved you a red one.

Thanks, says Terence. I thought you said it was a red one.

It was, says Hedley, showing Terence two red fingers.

Hush, says Belle. Stop talking, and look at the stage.

Terence looks at the stage.

Yikes! a clown. 

He shrinks down in his seat a little.

And who have we here? asks Pierre-Louis, pretending he doesn't know Terence. 

Terence, says Hedley. He's my friend who hates clowns. You'd better tell him you're not one.

I'm not one, says Pierre-Louis. Now who would like to come up on stage and sit on my bicycle seat? I promise you a surprise.

Me! says Hedley.

No! says Hedley's mother. Not you.

Me, says Dart Blaster guy.

No, says Pierre-Louis. Not you.

How about this beautiful lady?

He is looking at Belle.

No thanks, says Belle. I know too much about that bicycle.

What about this boy? says Pierre-Louis, pointing at Terence.

Terence is scared. But Hedley is watching. So Terence goes up to the stage,

Pierre-Louis lifts him onto the stage. Then onto the bike seat.

Afraid? asks Pierre-Louis.

No, says Terence. I have perfect balance.

I forgot you had that, says Pierre-Louis. Let's hope it hasn't worn off. Now clear your mind of everything.

Terence tries to clear his mind of everything.

And what comes to mind? asks Pierre-Louis

Everything, says Terence.

Concentrate on one thing, says Pierre-Louis.

Terence tries. 

A white Smartie, says Terence.

I was thinking more of a snippet of wisdom, says Pierre-Louis.

What's this about? asks a friend of Hedley's mother. What's meant to happen?

This bicycle belonged to Schopenhauer, says Pierre-Louis, and whoever sits on it tends to spout wisdom.

Or some kind of menu, says Dart Blaster guy. Like lobster pie and nut crumble. So why not a white Smartie?

Pierre-Louis has the feeling he's losing control of his show