In And Out of The Tuxedo Cat

It is now evening, at the SA Museum. Steve has asked the young woman on the door to keep an eye out for Arthur, and not let him in.

Arthur strolls up to the door.

Your name please? says the young woman.

Arthur, says Arthur. Arthur Rimbaud.

I can't let you in, says the young woman. You're not on the list.

I am, says Arthur. That's my name right there.

He points to his name in red pen.

Alright, says the young woman, you are on the list. But it's the wrong list.......

Arthur gives her the heart melting blue stare that usually gets him his way.

Oh alright, says the young woman, shifting her stance. Just make sure you sit at the back.

Arthur is in.

Wisely refusing a glass of free Bundaleer wine, he goes straight up the stairs to the Pacific Cultures Gallery, and sits down under the woven straw crocodile, in the very front row.

......

Across the road at the Tuxedo Cat, Gaius waits for the call to see Choir Girl.

He sits on a packing case drinking a flute of free water.

Gaius! Fancy seeing you here! says a loud female voice.

Oh no! Can it be MARGARET?

Margaret sits down beside him.

I thought you'd be at the Sprigg Lecture, says Margaret.

I thought YOU would, says Gaius.

Did you have a nice time in Alice Springs? asks Margaret. Did you find the Impossible Varan or whatever it was?

Gaius senses the question is not totally cordial.

Yes yes, says Gaius. It's no place for a woman out there. That's why I took Arthur.

Right, says Margaret. And then when you got back you went straight off to Middleton. Looking for stick insects, if I'm not wrong.

Yes yes, mutters Gaius. Where is this leading?

Calling people for CHOIR GIRL! shouts somebody loudly.

Margaret stands up.

What dastardly luck. Margaret is going to Choir Girl as well!

How serendipitous! says Margaret. We can sit next to each other.

Gaius looks down at his still bespeckled ticket. Maybe they won't let him in.......