The Principle Of Uncertainty

It does not take long for our philosophers to accept the situation.

So what if Sir Bradley Wiggins has eaten Ageless lobster for dinner? It is a fitting end for Ageless, who got off scot free after blatantly cheating his way through the Tour.

But that means no one's tailing Arthur, says Belle et Bonne. I hope he's alright.

He'll be fine, says David. He lives a charmed life. Now how about a wee stroll down the Royal Mile? Did you know I was born in Lawnmarket?

Were you really, David? says Vello. How extraordinary. I think I'll give it a miss.

I'd love to, David, says Belle et Bonne. You can show me the sights.

They go out, leaving Vello to read the newspaper, and gripe on his own.

The Royal Mile is full of buskers and people handing out fliers. The Edinburgh Fringe has begun.

Someone shoves a flier at David.

What's this? says David, A play? The Principle of Uncertainty. What a wonderful title. And only ten pounds a ticket.

Oh let's buy three tickets! says Belle et Bonne. Papa would love it. The principle of uncertainty. It sounds so intellectual.

Hmm, hmm, the principle of uncertainty, says David. Whatever is it? I feel I should know.

But you are uncertain? says Belle et Bonne.

Ha ha! laughs David. You are a breath of fresh air, Belle et Bonne. Vello and I have been quarrelling, you know. I believe he is jealous.

He's always jealous, says Belle et Bonne. But you and he must be tired. You've just finished a gruelling Tour.

True, says David. Look, that's where I was born. It looks a bit different now.

It does. It is now a ticket office. They buy three tickets for The Principle of Uncertainty, and amble back to the hotel to surprise Vello.

The principle of uncertainty is about not knowing where someone is if they're moving.

Yes something like that.

Therefore Vello will be easy to find.

........

Arthur is having the opposite problem in London. Paul is on the move.

He knocks on the door of the next apartment.

Hello? says a man. Can I help you?

Do you know Paul Verlaine? asks Arthur.

Sure do, says the man. He lives next door.

I know, says Arthur. He's a friend. Do you happen to know where he's gone?

Paul? He's gone to Edinburgh, says the neighbour. He's doing a poetry reading for the festival. He's a poet you know.

Oh I know, says Arthur. Thanks.

He turns to go down the stairs. A door slams.

Right, now to get hold of a knife.