Lobsters Are The True Custodians Of History

Gaius, Ray,and Schopenhauer disappear inside the Slitti Cafe.

Arthur goes off looking for a bucket.

The lobster lies on the floor of the Ute, breathing the fresh air of Port Fairy.

Ahhh! He feels okay.

He clambers out.

Avoiding the tourists, of whom there are not many, he finds his way by sniffing to the river.

.......

Cakes and chocolate! says Schopenhauer. Is that all you have?

And fine Tuscan coffee, says the owner.

A sandwich would be nice, says Ray.

Then you must go elsewhere, says the owner.

I don't mind cakes for lunch, says Schopenhauer.

Gaius is unsettled. He would not choose cakes for lunch. But Arthur has the money. And Arthur will return to Slitti Cafe. So cakes it will have to be.

They sit outside in the sun, under an umbrella, from where you smell the river and the sea.

.......


The lobster has found a secluded spot between two rocks half submerged in murky water.

He settles down to survey all the boats.

But no. It is not so secluded. He has settled down beside a local lobster.

Hello, says the local lobster. Welcome to the Moyne. I'm Captain Wishart.

Our lobster does not wish to be outdone.

Admiral de Guichen, says our lobster. Lately come from Robe.

You've come at a quiet time, says Captain Wishart. Between the Folk Festival and the Koroit Irish Festival, it's pretty dead here for a week or two.

That's fine by me, says Admiral de Guichen. I'm in need of some gentle R and R. Been wrapped up in a cursed newspaper for hours.

Tsk, says Captain Wishart. Well, enjoy your time here in Port Fairy.

Lovely name, says Admiral de Guichen. What's its origin?

Captain Wishart likes answering this question.

He explains that in 1828 or thereabouts, a certain Captain Wishart, ( for whom he is named ), sheltered from a storm here in his tiny cutter named the Fairy.

Charming, says Admiral de Guichen. And you know of course about the naming of Guichen Bay.

I do indeed, says Captain Wishart. Though not so many do these days. I do believe we lobsters are the only true custodians of history.

My sentiments exactly, says Admiral de Guichen. It's been wonderful to meet you. I must return to my Ute now. I only have ten minutes.

Happy sailing, says Captain Wishart. And a following wind.

Likewise, says Admiral de Guichen, as he turns and scrapes his way back to Bank Street, and the Slitti Cafe.

.........

And Arthur? He too is returning to the Slitti Cafe. And does he have a bucket? Not exactly. Rather, it is something that he has picked up from an unoccupied table outside another cafe.

An abandoned jug half full of sangria.