The Ingenuity of Women

Ouvert is still on the beach near the Wallaroo jetty. He has been there all afternoon, and all evening. He is waiting for Arthur to come back.

While he waits he whistles with one mouth and hums with the other.

The Wallaroo pebbles are irritated.

Shut up! say the Wallaroo pebbles.

Ouvert shuts up. What's happened to old fashioned pebble camaraderie?

After ten minutes he starts whistling again.

..........

Lavender isn't worried.

He'll be in Arthur's pocket, says Lavender. He'll be sleeping.

No, says Baby Pierre. We were in Arthur's pocket, remember? With the Twitcher. Ouvert wasn't there then.

Arthur has two pockets, says Lavender confidently.

ARTHUR! she calls. Where is Ouvert?

Arthur feels in his pocket. Ugh. It's still inky and slimy.

He feels in the other one.

His finger penetrates something mushy. But it's only a cucumber end, not Ouvert.

Lost him. says Arthur. Never mind, he'll turn up.

We keep losing them, says Bunny. We're not very reliable.

Don't tell Gaius, says Arthur. He thinks we are.

......

Gaius is learning all about Quillos, from the Mayor's wife.

He is fascinated by the ingenuity of women.

.........

Wouldn't it be nice if we could just skip to the next morning.

Not worry about where everyone is going to sleep.......and how Ouvert is to be found.

Let's do it.

.........

Next morning, everyone assembles at the Rotunda.

Gaius, who has already filled in his grant application in the Mayor's office.

The Twitcher, in his new portable saltwater aquarium.

Arthur and Bunny, who have slept on the beach, with Ouvert, who has been found, whistling.

Violetta, Ageless, Lavender and Baby Pierre, who have slept in the Rotunda.

And Victor, to ensure they all leave.