Miracles Can Be Intellectual Too

The secret red button connects the bus driver to the police station in Wallaroo.

Yes? says the policeman, at the police station, in Wallaroo.

Suspicious characters on board, says the driver, sotto voce. I'll be dropping them off at the Rotunda.

Rightio, says the policeman. Thanks for the headsup.

No worries, says the driver. He starts the engine, and pulls out of the bus station.

It is a long way to Wallaroo, but the bus seats are comfy.

Gaius settles back for a nap.

Arthur looks out of the window.

Bunny get's out her book.

What's your book? asks Violetta.

Lourdes, says Bunny. By Emile Zola.

Woohoo! says Violetta. Saint Bernadette!

It's so lovely, says Bunny. She saw the Virgin in a grotto, and the Virgin told her to build a chapel in that spot.

Brilliant, says Violetta. Is that what the book's about?

No, says Bunny. It's about a girl called Marie who goes there to pray for a cure, and her friend Pierre, a priest who's having a spiritual crisis, because he's too reasonable to have any faith. They go on a white train.

Violetta is not the only one listening.

Baby Pierre, Ouvert and Lavender are listening too, from deep down in Gaius's  pocket.

Did you hear that? says Baby Pierre.

Not properly, says Lavender. It was muffled. But it was about you, Baby Pierre. And you went on a train.

That's what I thought, says Baby Pierre.

Ouvert is jealous. The book is about Baby Pierre on a train.

Ouch! says Gaius, waking up. What the devil?

It is Ouvert biting his leg through the cloth of his chinos. He drags Ouvert out.

I want to sit next to Arthur, says Ouvert.

Alright, says Gaius Why didn't you say so? What about Lavender and Baby Pierre? Do they want to come out?

Yes, we want to sit with Bunny, says Baby Pierre. She's got a book.

Has she indeed? says Gaius. What's your book about, Bunny?

Miracles, says Bunny. But it's intellectual too.

Is there anything to eat? says Arthur. I forgot to bring snacks.

I've a small box of cucumbers, says Gaius. If you'd care to have one....

Baby Pierre and Lavender settle down next to Bunny, hoping to hear more about miracles.

Ouvert sits next to Arthur, who chews on a cucumber.

Violetta moves to sit next to Gaius.

They are about to pass through Port Wakefield.