Where He Gained Strong Impressions

It's not far to Hobart. They get to the markets by nine.

The Salamanca Market is full of tourists buying colourful produce and browsing the bric-a-brac stalls.

Unni spots 'Hats on Salamanca', on the corner of Mr Wooby Lane.

She goes over to look at the hats.

Arthur has not followed Unni. He has stopped at the House Of Fudge stall, to examine the fudges.

Camus has stopped at Macarons by Ruby, to check out the fresh macarons.

Beaudelaire looks at a display of toy wooden boats with nostalgia. As a young man he once sailed to India, and gained strong impressions.

Unni stands in front of the hat stall.

A hat for the lobster? says someone. How about that one?

She turns. It's Lisa Gershwin.

Hi, Lisa, says Unni. A hat, yes. How did you know?

He's done nothing but grumble, says Lisa. I'm sure it's to do with the moulting.

All these hats are too big though, says Unni. And they're not really for captains.

A military cap would do nicely, says Lisa. And that one's quite little.

Unni picks up a military cap, in distressed weathered cotton, with decorative stitching. Yes, that would suit Captain Louttit.

Arthur arrives, his pockets bulging with something.

What's that in your pockets? asks Unni.

Samples of fudge says Arthur. Licorice bomb, Tassie Tiger, Ginger Infusion and Kahlua Dream.

I didn't know they gave samples, says Lisa.

They don't, says Arthur, surprised.

Here comes Albert Camus with a box of macarons from the House of Ruby.

Found a hat for your lobster? asks Albert Camus.

Yes, says Unni. This one. She waves the military cap in the air.

Memories of Algiers, smiles Camus. And how about you? May I buy you one? This one is so chic.

He points to a pale blue felt cloche with a self-coloured flower.

Lisa giggles.

And who is your friend? asks Albert Camus.

Lisa. She's a scientist and jellyfish expert, says Unni. Lisa, this is Albert Camus.

I recognised him, says Lisa. He's here for Dark MOFO. Hello, Albert. Been buying macarons?

Yes, for my wife and children, says Albert. Look. Four pink ones, two blue ones.

He opens the striped macaron box.

Strawberry and Cream, Sour Cherry, Rose, Raspberry, Blueberry, Boysenberry.

The perfect macaron family, says Lisa.

Would you like a hat, Lisa? asks Albert, overdoing the gallantry.

Thanks, says Lisa, but no.

I'll have one, says Arthur, picking up a red beret. This one reminds me of Ageless.

Done, says Camus.

And before anyone can stop him, ( not that anyone tries) he has paid for all three of the hats. What a charmer.

And now here comes Charles Beaudelaire, with a brown paper parcel.

He has purchased a boat, yes, a toy one, and is currently happy.

But what is this? Camus has pipped him. Bought everyone hats! Including the fictitious lobster.

Merde! What a bâtard!