Red Day-Nighters

Arthur and Gaius are on the Ghan, travelling towards Alice Springs seated side by side in Red Day-Nighter seats, which are the cheapest. Behind them are Ouvert and Lavender, in two empty Day-Nighters.

Gaius is complaining about the sleeping arrangements.

If I'd known, says Gaius, that we had to pay extra for pillows and blankets, I'd have brought my own.

But you will pay the extra? says Arthur anxiously.

I suppose I shall have to, says Gaius. Here, have a prune.

A prune! says Arthur. That is a dodgy sort of thing to eat on a long train journey.

On the contrary, says Gaius, after long periods of sitting, one sometimes finds oneself incommoded.

Yes exactly. And then one may have to queue for the toilets, says Arthur.

Ouvert and Lavender, behind them, start giggling

Gaius cranes his head around his Red Day-Nighter seat to see where the giggling is coming from.

Would you believe it! he says to Arthur. Ouvert is behind us, with Lavender.

Let me see, says Arthur.

Arthur, who has a window seat, gets up on his knees and looks over the back of his seat.

Ouvert! he exclaims. What are you doing here on the Ghan?

I'm off to find Baby Pierre, says Ouvert.

And Ageless, says Lavender.

Are they looking for the Giant Varan? asks Arthur.

No, the Giant Lobster Claw, says Lavender. And Kobo says they won't find it, but she gave us a book. And it's awfully heavy.

What is it? says Arthur.

The Arabian Nights, says Lavender.

The Arabian Nights? says Arthur. Let me see.

It's under our seat, says Ouvert. We can't lift it up.

Oh yes? How did you get it on the train? asks Arthur.

Stacey helped us, says Lavender. She's ever so nice. And so pretty. She'll get you a blanket.

Yes, says Ouvert. She told us she'd get us a blanket. So she'll get you a blanket.

If we pay, says Gaius, gloomily.

Stacey comes past with a blanket for Ouvert and Lavender. She really is pretty, and nice.

Here you are sweeties, she says. Here's your blanket.

May we have one too? says Arthur, who is handsome, but doesn't like girls.

I'm sorry, says Stacey. But blankets cost extra.