Arthur is at the chemist's. He peruses the bandages. There are many sorts. He wants very long ones, good quality, as he has no intention of paying. He is engrossed in his task.
He hears the sound of a ruckus, over at the counter.
It is Ageless.
Hardening cream, Ageless seems to be saying repeatedly.
Ageless increases the volume. HARDENING CREAM!
How? says the assistant, astonished, and not speaking very good English.
Arthur goes over to the counter, having dropped an extra long roll of white gauze wrapped in cellophane into his pocket.
Ageless, says Arthur. What's up?
Arthur! says Ageless. My saviour! Tell this person what it is that I want.
What is it you want? asks Arthur. Did I hear you say hardening cream?
Yes! Yes! shouts Ageless. Can't you see I'm in all sorts of trouble? I got out of the water too soon. I feel like a peeled egg.
Egg? says the chemist's assistant. He want egg?
No egg, says Arthur. And he doesn't want hardening cream. He doesn't want anything. We're leaving.
He drags Ageless outside.
You're as hard as a nut, says Arthur. This is all in your head. Are you coming with us over to Corsica? We're leaving today for the Tour.
Me? says Ageless. But I'm soft in the head. And a meanie!
So what? says Arthur. This is all about Twitcher. When something is dead we forget it. What's the matter with you? Harden up!
Urrgh, says Ageless. That's what Baby Pierre said.
He was right, says Arthur. And he's only a stone.
This thought acts magically upon Ageless. Told to harden up by a stone. Until now he had not seen the irony. He laughs. Haha! He becomes stronger by the second. He swells visibly. He will go to Corsica.
Not only that. He will RIDE!
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