A Warning Given Late Is No Warning

There is no one to meet them at the station.

I understood Dr Zhu Min would be waiting, says Gaius.

It's too late, says Sikong Shu. He will see you in the morning. We must find your hotel.

That should be easy, says Gaius. It's the Tongyue Garden Hotel. Pink.

Sikong Shu calls a taxi. Soon they are at the hotel.

I'll call for you early in the morning, says Sikong Shu.

Wait, says Arthur. What was the warning?

A warning given late is no warning, says Sikong Shu, retreating into the night.

.............

The next morning Sikong Shu arrives bright and early.

Now to meet Dr Zhu Min, says Gaius.

Yes, says Sikong Shu. Later. First let me show you the town.

He takes them through the wide streets of the town beside the river. There are shops selling fresh fruit and vegetables. People in exotic costumes with donkeys. People in ordinary clothes carrying sun shades. Golden  marigolds and pink azaleas in pots.

What do you think, Gaius Secundus? says Sikong Shu. Now that you have seen the real China. Has your view changed at all?

No, says Gaius. I have always had a high opinion of China.

Sikong Shu nods his head but looks doubtful.

Rosamunda nudges Arthur.

Gaius may be in trouble, says Rosamunda.

Yes, says Arthur. Lucky he brought us along.

.......

At last they arrive at the restaurant where they are to meet Doctor Zhu Min.

Welcome to Qujing, Gaius Secundus, says Doctor Zhu Min. And welcome to your associates. I see you have brought one more than we agreed, but no matter.

Three more, says Sikong Shu. He has also brought two talking pebbles. A Fish Mouth and a Lavender.

A Fish Mouth! says Doctor Zhu Min. How appropriate. You must show him to me after lunch. I hope you all like yak kebabs. It is a local specialty.

Margaret's eyes light up. Yak kebabs. This is more like it.

They all sit down to eat.

Lunch takes quite a long time.

The yak kebabs are tender and tasty, threaded on sharp bamboo sticks.

Arthur puts two in his pocket.

Now it is time to drink beer.

Gaius is becoming impatient.

Well now, says Gaius Shall we get on? I should like to examine the entelognathus in this lifetime rather than the next.

Time enough for that, says Doctor Zhu Min. When we go to Beijing. If we go.

What do you mean! says Gaius. Are you telling me the fossil is not here, but three thousand miles away?

You didn't know? says Doctor Zhu Min. That is regrettable.