Good Philosopher Bad Philosopher

Sheeesh, nine years old, says Sweezus. How'd you know?

Just guessing, says Arthur.

Go after her, says the proprietor. It's too hot out there.

Sweezus goes to the door and sticks his head out. Where is Janice? He can't see her.

He goes outside. Yes, the day is a stinker.

He looks left and right. Nothing. He looks down.

There's something red on the ground. He walks over.

Red snakes, in the dirt, in the shape of a number. Thirteen.

Heaviness! says Sweezus. Something's happened to Janice.

He goes back inside.

Come out here and see this, says Sweezus. Arthur joins him outside.

Thirteen, says Arthur. Little trickster. I bet she'll be hiding.

But she isn't. The demon has gone.

She is way down the road.

She is sweating.

Sweat pours down her face from under the demon cap.

Her green eyes water.

But she isn't crying.

She is thirteen. Now they will know.

...........

Gaius has arrived back in Adelaide and stepped off the bus.

He looks around for a man who might be the father of Janice. But no one fits that description.

He heads straight for the Velosophy office, where Vello and Le Bon David are relaxing.

Gaius! says Vello. Back from your travels! All alone?

Temporarily, says Gaius. Arthur and Sweezus got off the bus in Dublin.

Extraordinary! says David. Any reason?

A demonic girl, says Gaius.

Say no more, says Vello. Although.....

Gaius! says Belle et Bonne, coming into the office. How was Wallaroo? Where are the others? Did Sweezie catch any cuttlefish?

Not one, says Gaius. He learned some valuable lessons however.

I'm so glad, says Belle et Bonne. Where is he?

He stayed in Dublin, says Vello. Isn't that funny! With Arthur and a demonic girl.

Dressed like a pixie, says Gaius. Handing out bad smelling water.

A girl? says Belle et Bonne. And what do you mean by demonic?

A poisoner, a thief and a runaway, says Gaius, but there may be extenuating circumstances.

Dublin, says Belle et Bonne. That's not far away is it? I'll drive out there. Can I borrow your car Uncle David?

Wonderful idea, says David. I'll come with you.

They hurry down the stairs to the car park.

Good luck to them, mutters Gaius.

Cup of tea? says Vello. Oh wait. Belle has gone.

Can't you make tea? says Gaius.

Not very well, says Vello. There might be beer in the fridge though.

There is. They both grab a beer and sit down.

Got a team for the Tour Down Under? asks Vello, leaning back with his feet on the table.

Great Jupiter! says Gaius. I was thinking of going to the Pilbara. When is the Tour?

The 19th of January, says Vello. Team Philosophe has the usual formidable line up. Who have you got this year?

No one yet ...... just me and Arthur, says Gaius.... and then he remembers Lu Ban!

Oh yes, and a Chinese chap with a new dragon bicycle, says Gaius. Arthur teed him up.

Really, says Vello. Tell me more.

No no, says Gaius. Less said the better. Top secret.

Have another? says Vello, opening the fridge door and smiling an innocuous smile.