Red Train With a Camel

Ouvert and Lavender were not packing. They had nothing to pack. They were about to leave for the station when Kobo called them back.

Do you know where you're going? she asked.

To the train, said Lavender, brightly. I've been on the train, she added, so don't worry, Aunty Kobo.

It's not the same train, said Kobo. You'll be wanting the Ghan. It leaves from the Parklands terminal. It's a red train, with a camel on it. Make sure you sit near the window. You'll have a lovely view of the Adelaide Plains and the Flinders Ranges. The red earth and the cobalt blue skies........

Lavender looked at Ouvert. Ouvert grinned his fishy grin.

Bye, Aunty Kobo, said Lavender. Any message for Baby Pierre?

Tell Baby Pierre to look after Ageless, said Kobo fondly. He's bound to be disappointed.

Why? asked Lavender. Why will he be disappointed?

You can guess what sort of Claw he's expecting to find, said Kobo.

Ouvert looked puzzled, but Lavender thought that she knew.

A Giant Lobster Claw! she said.

Then her face fell. Baby Pierre would be disappointed too.

We must hurry, she said to Ouvert.

Wait a minute, said Kobo, I want you to take something with you. You can give it to Ageless, and say it's from me.

Alright said Lavender, as long as it isn't a book.

It is a book, said Kobo, it's the 1001 Arabian Nights. It will cheer him up. The tales are philosophical. And some of them are mystical. Others are comic, and some are ribald. It's just his sort of book.

We can't take it, said Ouvert. It's too big.

We'll take it, said Lavender.

Good said Kobo. Here it is.

(It was big).