Secrets Of Dark Waters

Gaius and Arthur are at the Bush Inn in New Norfolk, waiting for Schopenhauer and Unni.

There is  roaring open fire in the lounge bar, but they are sitting outside on the deck overlooking the dark shining Derwent, drinking tap beer.

It's freezing out here, says Arthur, doing up his black jacket and rubbing his knees.

It is, says Gaius. The others should turn up soon.

Are you ready to order? asks Tom, from the doorway.

Not yet, says Gaius. We'll wait for our friends.

We could wait inside, says Arthur.

Yes, wait inside, says Tom. There's a warm fire, and historical artifacts.

I'm going inside, says Arthur. Are you coming?

Soon, says Gaius. You go.

Arthur goes inside.

Tom shows him some of the historical artifacts. An old clock on the wall and some sepia photographs.

The Bush Inn was built in 1825, says Tom. It's the oldest continuous licensed pub in Australia. There are secret convict tunnels that start in the basement and run off under the town.

Can I see them? asks Arthur.

No, says Tom. Why don't you order some food? We've got lamb shanks and chocolate pudding on the menu. And smoked rainbow trout is one of our specialties. Look, young Cassandra over there's having the smoked rainbow trout.

Arthur looks. Cassandra has peeled the flesh from her smoked rainbow trout, and is showing the bones to her father. The bones look like a fine tooth comb. She waves it about. Her dad laughs.

Gaius sits out on the deck, feeling melancholy. They are so close to Hobart. And yet not there. It is only a few days since they arrived in Tasmania. Why does it seem like a month?

He gazes across at the twinkling black water of the Derwent. On its banks, the autumnal trees, red, orange and yellow in daylight, are as black as tar lily volcanoes.

There is no way Gaius could possibly see, in the black water through the black trees, a black Seahorse World bag beating its steady way down to Hobart with black Captain Louttit and two black barnacles on board.

Gaius! calls Schopenhauer from the doorway. Come inside and have dinner. I've ordered lamb shanks and chocolate pudding!

Gaius sighs, and makes his way slowly inside.