Accounting For Taste

At the Sturt Reserve, beside the river, they prop Schopenhauer up against a tree.

Deep breaths, says Gaius. You'll soon feel better.

What's that roaring sound? says Ray.

That will be the coin operated Bunyip, says Gaius. Would you like to come and see? Arthur, do you have a coin on you?

Yes, says Arthur. But you're not having it. It's my gold one.

Of course not, says Gaius. But what about the busking money?

All notes, says Arthur.

Urghhh! groans Schopenhauer.

He needs some stomach salts, says Ray.

So he does, says Gaius. Arthur, take one of the notes and go and find a chemist.

Arthur wanders off. Gaius and Ray head off to seek the Bunyip.

Schopenhauer drifts into a semi-conscious state under his tree.

Arthur goes down the main street looking for a chemist.

Not all the shops are open, but here is one that is: Cottage Box Chocolates.

Arthur goes inside.

I'm looking for a chemist, says Arthur.

Try a chocolate, says the man behind the counter, Ian Pithers. These are new.

He points to a dish of chocolates near the till.

Arthur takes one. Bites into it.

What do you think? asks the man. It's Chocolate-Coated Vegemite Fudge. I'm the only person in the world who makes it.

Not bad, says Arthur. How did you come up with the idea?

This new fad for salted caramel, says Ian Pithers.

Can I have another one? says Arthur. It'll save me going to the chemist.

Sure, says Ian Pithers. Take a sample box. Hand them around on your travels. Spread the word.

Thanks, says Arthur.

He leaves the shop and turns back towards the riverbank. Schopenhauer is lying flat out on the grass, having turned sickly green.

Here, says Arthur, handing him a chocolate. Try one of these. Good for a hangover.

Schopenhauer takes the chocolate weakly, and presses it to his lips.

Put it all in, says Arthur. Then suck it slowly.

Schopenhauer obeys.

Mmmm. A rush of salt and sugar, not to mention cocoa, and an aftertaste of yeast. He feels better instantly.

Thank you, Arthur, says Schopenhauer. You must let me reimburse you.

He opens up his wallet which is stuffed with fifty dollar notes, and hands a fifty dollar note to Arthur.

Don't worry about the change, says Schopenhauer.

Arthur thinks he hardly needed to say that.