Goethe on Stones

It's not far from Lorne to Geelong.

Schopenhauer is driving. Ray wants to go faster. Gaius would prefer to slow down.

I'll make the decisions, says Schopenhauer, maintaining his speed.

You don't need to go through Geelong, says Ray. Take the bypass.

I have already looked at the map, says Schopenhauer. It's an old one, but I trust that the place is still there. I intend to visit the small coastal town of Indented Head.

Gaius is happy with that.

Ray isn't.

Schopenhauer turns east to the coast, and follows Esplanade Road to Indented Head.

Coffee break, says Schopenhauer. Ten minutes.

I'll stay in the Ute, mutters Ray.

He sits in the cabin and looks stonily at the features of Indented Head.

Shacks, a Post Office, a picturesque shipwreck offshore.

Arthur appears at the window, with Captain Louttit.

Here, says Arthur. Captain Louttit wants someone to talk to.

I'm bad company, says Ray. It's my foot.

Arthur hands Captain Louttit in through the window, spilling seawater out of the jug.

Steady, lad! says Captain Louttit.

Arthur goes off to join the others.

You're a mild-mannered bugger, says Ray.

Not really, says Captain Louttit. I have a controlled temper. See these barnacles?

What about them? saysRay.

Trembling, says Captain Louttit. Every last one of them. That's fear.

Ray looks hard at the barnacles inside the jug. It is difficult to tell if they're trembling or merely ingesting.

I'll take your word for it, says Ray. I suppose you threatened to eat them?

No, no, says Captain Louttit. There are better ways to terrify a crew.

Ray knows that, being a Pastor.

..........

Arthur, Gaius and Schopenhauer have found a cafe. They are drinking espressos, and admiring the picturesque shipwreck.

Peaceful place, says Schopenhauer. Calming. Have we finished?

Always in a hurry, says Gaius. I should like to examine the stones.

You have an interest in stones? says Schopenhauer. So did Goethe.

Who doesn't? says Arthur.

No need to take that tone, says Schopenhauer. Goethe wrote a great deal on stones.

Didn't he have any paper? says Arthur.

Schopenhauer ignores him, stands up, and heads back to the Ute.

.........

On the last leg to Melbourne, Gaius sits in the back, with Arthur and Captain Louttit.

Goethe, the expert on stones, says Gaius. First I've heard of it.

Stones? says Captain Louttit? Stones abound in this area. It is chock full, as it were, of stones. Bluestones and sandstones and limestones, brown coal and volcanic plains......

You see? says Gaius to Arthur. Even a lobster....

Yes, I see, says Arthur. You're jealous of Goethe.

Never, says Gaius. But Schopenhauer can be overbearing.

He's a bad driver, says Arthur. And he doesn't have a licence.

This makes Gaius feel better, and then, somewhat anxious.

It's lucky they're nearly in Melbourne.