Stick In The Dark

They climb down the dark ladder.

Terence behind Gaius, followed by Surfing-with-Whales.

Philosopher Smith comes down last.

Shall I guide you back to the campsite? asks Philosopher Smith.

We can find our own way, says Gaius. But you're welcome to come back with us. 

Is there any more cheese? asks Philosopher Smith.

Only a green peppercorn cheddar that Surfing-with-Whales bought for his mother, says Gaius.

Fond as I am of green peppercorn cheddar, I wouldn't presume to deprive anyone's mother, says Philosopher Smith.

They are walking among hairy trees.

Avoiding slimy fungi.

Hearing night sounds......

Growl...

What about apples? asks Philosopher Smith.

We have plenty of apples, says Gaius.

I shall come, says Philosopher Smith. And be glad of the company.

They arrive at the campsite.

They sit down.

Gaius takes a knife from his back pack, and an apple from the apple bag.

He slices the apple and offers the slices around.

Crunch. It's a good tasty apple.

Where to, next? asks Philosopher Smith.

Tullah, says Gaius.

You know Tullah? asks Surfing-with-Whales.

Indeed I do, says Philosopher Smith. It was a tin mining town. Now a hydro village, on the shores of Lake Rosebery. 

More water, says Terence. Which is what I don't like.

Why's that? asks Gaius.

Because I get treated like a baby, says Terence.

There's a steam train, says Philosopher Smith. An old steam locomotive that runs for the tourists, in summer. It's called the Wee Georgie Wood.

Can we go on it? asks Terence.

We shall see, says Gaius. 

It only runs on the second and last weekends of the month, says Philosopher Smith.

Then probably not, says Gaius.

Boo! says Terence. No train AND no parrot.

Philosopher Smith looks surprised.

Terence has been missing his parrot, says Gaius.

A parrot'll turn up, says Surfing-with-Whales.

How do you know? asks Terence.

We'll attract one, says Surfing-with-Whales. Where's the apple core?

Here, says Gaius.

Now all we need is a stick, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Terence goes off to look for a stick.

In the dark.