Why Bother If You Don't Pay Attention?

Something is bothering the Great Sage.

Why did Gaius lie to the policeman?

Gaius is riding in front. He doesn't notice Kong Fu-Zi is bothered.

He is thinking instead: Is there a bike shop in Crafers?

Two questions, which need to be answered.

.......

Kong Fu-Zi catches up to Gaius with a valiant effort.

Good man, says Gaius. We'll soon be in Crafers. The only problem.....I don't think there's a bike shop. And you must have a helmet.

I'll put my hat on, says Kong Fu-Zi. I don't mind if it's bloody.

It's not like a helmet, says Gaius.

If it's not like a helmet, says Kong Fu-Zi, then you lied to the policeman.

I seem to remember you didn't contradict me, says Gaius.

........

They ride through Crafers. The trees are high in the sky.

It is midday. A Red Wattle-bird sings.

They pass various tiny and delicate orchids, hidden in grass.

Just as I thought, says Gaius. No bike shop. We'll have to continue to Aldgate. Keep your head down.

Kong Fu-Zi has been thinking.

The reason I didn't contradict you.....he begins.

It's all right, says Gaius. I understand. The words for hat and helmet are interchangeable in Chinese.

Kong Fu-Zi is puzzled. How does Gaius know this?

How do you know this? he asks.

I imagine it is the case, says Gaius.

Kong Fu-Zi now must decide whether to go along with the ridiculous assertion that mao zi ( a hat ) is the same as tou kui ( a helmet ).

......

Aldgate. There is a bike shop, and over the road is a cafe.

They stop off at the bike shop.

My friend here wants a helmet, says Gaius, approaching the counter.

What sort of bike do you have? asks the bike shop man, looking suspicious.

A Floating Cloud, says Kong Fu-Zi.

He has forgotten it's a Platonic Ideal, custom made by Sam at Treadly Bike Shop, Ebenezer Place

A Chinese one? says the bike shop man. Don't know it. How about an Avanti Razor Plus helmet, in black and silver, for $39.95.

He has made an assumption. ( That Kong Fu-Zi will want something cheap )

Kong Fu-Zi pays the money. He also has made an assumption. ( That the price quoted is middling )

Gaius says nothing. He is thinking of lunch.

They wheel their bicycles over the road to The Table.

The Table has an eclectic menu.  What cafe doesn't?

They order Chilli and Basil Mussels for lunch.

As they sit eating their Chilli and Basil Mussels, they are both facing inwards, which can easily happen.

They do not see Victor's police car pull up over the road.