Piracy, Death, Substitution

In the early hours of the morning Saint Nicholas wakes. Where is he? Ah yes, on the deck of a boat that was stolen by those youngsters Arthur and Bunny. My goodness, they must be no more than seventeen. One of them wanted a bicycle. The other one didn't. Very strange. And why were they waiting for a cuttlefish? And didn't want any help. Most disappointing. Ooh, it does feel uncomfortable. He adjusts his hessian sack. Two gold coins roll out. There is a sound of scuffling. The Turkish water Polis have arrived. Saint Nicholas is arrested for piracy on the high seas, and taken away.

...........

Arthur and Bunny wake early. It is a beautiful morning. They go down to the beach.

We shouldn't have had cuttlefish stew last night , says Bunny. What were we thinking?

Yes, agrees Arthur. It was indigestible.

Not just that, says Bunny. Think of the Twitcher.

Arthur thinks of the Twitcher. He hopes he is dead.

I think we should call up the Dubai Aquarium, says Bunny. And just see how he is.

She calls the number she has for Jamila.

........

Hello, says Jamila.

Hello Jamila, says Bunny. How is the Twitcher?

Err......, says Jamila. I have some bad news.

He's dead, says Bunny. I knew it.

We are really most awfully sorry, says Jamila. He was so active at first.

It doesn't matter, says Bunny. I'll get a refund from the courier.

Ah, as to that, says Jamila. How would you feel about the lobster taking his place?

Ageless? says Bunny, making a face at Arthur. Oh god. I suppose.

Thank goodness, says Jamila. I mean that is most generous. The lobster has recently moulted, and has started to become.....

Unbearable, says Bunny. Don't tell me, I know. Alright. We'll expect him in Kas at the end of the week.

Actually, says Jamila. He should be arriving today.