Three Ways To Learn Wisdom

Terence stops dancing.

He can't see Baby Pierre. Where is he?

Looking for someone called Burr, says Freud. He'll turn up when he smells the herrings.

He has a Burr in his bonnet, says Gaius.

Freud laughs at the witticism. Ha ha ha!

You shouldn't have left him, says Terence.

No, you shouldn't, says Rosamunda, emerging from the van with a plate of plain boiled potatoes. It's dark. He'll get lost. Hello Gaius.

Gaius looks hard at Rosamunda. Could it be?

Yes! Rosamunda Secunda. His protegée.

Rosamunda! says Gaius. What are you doing here?

Looking for you, says Rosamunda. Don't you check your phone ever?

Gaius feels for his phone in his pocket.

No need now, says Rosamunda. I'm here. Hello, Professor.

Good evening, Rosamunda, says Freud. This is pleasant. Dinner on the table. Just like home.

She's been mending, says Katherine, handing a bowl of warm herrings through the window. Look at Terence's shorts.

Terence stands still, being inspected.

You look like a feathered Aztec, says Freud.

Help yourselves to the herrings, says Katherine, sitting down at the camp table. Fu-Zi, you're very quiet.

There are three ways to learn wisdom, says Kong Fu-Zi. The first is by reflection.

I agree with that, says Freud. Upon what are you reflecting?

One of our party is missing, says Kong Fu-Zi. Do we not have a duty of care?

I'll find him, says Terence. Give me a lantern.

Don't go too far, says Freud, rummaging through his tool box for a torch, and handing it to Terence..

Terence can't believe it.

They're letting him go.

He presses the button on the long thin metal torch from Freud's toolbox.

Shwoooah! Trees loom up in front of him.

An owl hoots.

Baby Pieeeerre!

An answering voice calls: Mrs Burrrrrrrrr!

Sarah! Sarah! Where are you?

Please don't grieve for me, sister........

Baby Pierre rattles up on his bicycle and stops. Torch-blinded.

Mrs Burr?

No, it's me Terence. You're rescued.

Pooh, I don't need to be rescued. Give me the torch!

No, I'm keeping it!

Give it! (Baby Pierre grabs the torch from Terence, and illuminates him.).

Oaa-haa! You got feathers sticking out of your bottom!

Terence runs into the bushes.

Now I'll never come out!

Suit yourself baby. Baby chicken!

Baby Pierre knows this is cruel.

But he can smell herrings.

He leaves Terence in the bushes, and follows his nose.