The Claw

Two days later, Arthur was knocking on the door of Gaius's house.

Arthur! said Ouvert, from the depths of Arthur's pocket. Don't knock!

Too late, I've knocked, said Arthur.

Gaius opened the door.

Hello, young Arthur! said Gaius. What happened to you? I thought you were coming back with us.

A little detour to La Rochelle, said Arthur.

Ah! La Rochelle. An interesting place, said Gaius. So many stone buildings. Most of them too modern for my liking, he added. But still......

I met pirates, said Arthur. And I've brought back Ouvert.

Whatever for? spluttered Gaius. I thought he wanted to go home!

He didn't like it there, said Arthur. There was a whole new population of pebbles and none of them knew him. They all  thought he was bumptious.

He is! said Gaius. He is thoroughly bumptious.

I'm not thoroughly bumptious! shouted Ouvert, from the pocket.

Aha, there you are, said Gaius. Well you'd better come in.

Whee! said Ouvert. Where's Baby Pierre?

Gone away, said Gaius. But Kobo and Lavender are here.

Gone away? said Ouvert. Where's he gone to?

To Central Australia, with Ageless, said Gaius.

Ageless? Who's Ageless?  said Arthur.

Ageless Lobster, said Gaius, as if that explained all.

Pooh! said Ouvert. Where's Central Australia? I want to go too.

Kobo can tell you, he said, taking Ouvert from Arthur, walking down the corridor to the kitchen, and placing him on the window sill next to Kobo.

Now Arthur, said Gaius, come and sit down. We have lots to talk about.

What? said Arthur.

The Claw, said Gaius. And how to get hold of it.