Gaius, Margaret and Ouvert stepped off the bus at Porte de Peche. It was breezy but otherwise fine. Crowds of people were heading for the entrance to the fete.
Gaius and Margaret found seats for themselves at one of the long tables.
I'm going to look around, said Ouvert. It's ages since I was this side of the bay. I shall look at the traditional fishing boats. People have fished in this region for thousands of years.
Do you hear that Gaius? said Margaret. Thousands of years!
Who doesn't know that? answered Gaius.
Ouvert wandered off.
He looked at the colourful fishing boats, and the brightly painted boat sheds. Then he went to look at the food stalls.
He stopped in front of a stall marked 'Sardines'. A crowd had gathered behind the row of stalls. He climbed up onto the counter to get a better view.
The guest of honour had arrived. It was Segolene Royal, President of the Regional Council and ex-wife of President Hollande. She was wearing a pink jacket, but was in the middle of a scrum, so she was difficult to see.
Ouvert climbed up a metal pole, up, up and up, until oops! he tumbled down into a plate of sardines.
Segolene was just passing. She was a kind-hearted woman.
Courage little one! she said to Ouvert. Let me help you.
Ouvert simpered, unable to speak.
Segolene picked up the plate of sardines.
Where are you sitting? she asked Ouvert.
Over there, whispered Ouvert, through his second best teeth. His good mouth was full of sardine.
Segolene carried him tenderly over to Gaius and Margaret's table.
Here is your friend, she said with a smile.
The admiring crowds clapped and cheered Segolene. Truly that woman ought to have been elected President of France in 2007, and not that Sarkozy fellow.
Ouvert was embarrassed. He had choked on a sardine in front of Segolene. It was still in his mouth.
Margaret tried to blow the sardine out.
Try sucking, said Gaius, unkindly.
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