Holiday Money And Other Minor Problems

Now they are driving through the Coorong.

What a landscape, says Gaius. Lagoons and estuaries.

And very long, says Ray.

Tap, tap.

Schopenhauer is tapping on the widow, holding his nose.

Gaius turns around.

Stop, Ray, says Gaius. Schopenhauer has something the matter with his nose.

That'll be the smell, says Ray. Rotting shellfish, stinking mud flats, dead birds. If I stop, we'll smell it too.

So you're not stopping, says Gaius.

No, says Ray. I'll just go faster.

Gaius looks through the back window.

He shrugs expressively and mouths the words Not Stopping.

Ray speeds up.

They pass through Kingston.

Look at that, says Arthur, pointing as they pass the Giant  Lobster.

What? says Schopenhauer, letting go his nose.

A Giant Lobster, says Arthur. That's the sort of thing you see a lot of in the country.

I missed it, says Schopenhauer. Will there be another?

No, says Arthur. There's only one of those.

But you said....says Schopenhauer.

Giant things in general, says Arthur. Pineapples, strawberries, tomatoes....

This talk is making Schopenhauer hungry, and making him rethink his views on art.

He again taps on the window.

This time Ray stops the Ute.

What is it? says Ray, coming round to the back of the vehicle.

When and where is lunch? asks Schopenhauer.

At Robe, says Ray. Not very far now. You all right? You look a little wind blown.

I think I'll get back inside the cabin, says Schopenhauer. Do you mind?

Not at all, says Ray, but it's Arthur's turn to ride in the cabin. You should ask him.

I'll go in the back, says Gaius, getting out to stretch his legs. How far is it to Robe?

Not far at all, says Ray. Okay then.

Gaius gets in the back. Schopenhauer and Arthur climb into the cabin.

They set off in the direction of Robe.

I feel like having lobster, says Schopenhauer. Anyone else feel like lobster?

Hells bells! says Ray. That'll cost a fortune. Fifty dollars for a half. If you're lucky.

My treat, says Schopenhauer, patting his wallet.

Ray beams. Arthur does some mental calculations.

They pull into Robe, and stop outside the Caledonian Inn.

We'll go in, says Ray. Arthur you take the Ute and fill her up with petrol. Use the busking money.

All right, says Arthur.

Except for one minor problem, this should be easy.