Astronomer, Freemason, Fisher

It has been a long night in Maçon.

Terence's ear studs have disagreed over everything.

For example: Which side he should sleep on.

But now it is morning.

Rise and shine, says Vello. Today we're off to Bourg-en-Bresse.

Urgh, says David, who has overindulged in French cheese. How far is it?

Not far, says Vello. Only thirty five kilometres.

But we're going to Balance first, says Terence.

No we are not, says Vello firmly. And I thought you could hear better now, with those pussy cat grommets.

Hear what better? says Terence.

Valence, says David. It's Valence.

Are we going? asks Terence hopefully.

NO, says Vello.

Terence covers his ears with his hands.

What did he say? shouts Terence.

Behave yourself, says the left pussy cat grommet. He said Bourg-en-Bresse.

For once I agree, says the right pussy cat grommet. That's what he said. We're not going to Balance.

Terence is outnumbered. They are going to Bourg-en-Bresse.

He doesn't care anyway. Stupid Willy.

He yanks on his lap lap. Stupid lap lap. It keeps twisting and showing his bottom....

Terence, says David. We have a nice little surprise for you. While you were away being fitted with grommets, Vello and I went into Territoire d' Homme, and bought you a jersey.

He opens a Le Coq Sportif  plastic bag and takes out a child's polka dot jersey.

Thirty eight euro, says Vello. Try it on.

He tries it on. It goes down to his knees and completely covers the lap lap.

Yay! And it makes him look like a winner. Okay!

They eat breakfast quickly and head down to the bicycles.

On the way, this conversation:

Vello: There someone in Bourg-en Bresse I want to drop in on.

David: I thought there might be.

Terence: Is it your mother?

Vello: What a sweet question. No, it isn't my mother. It's a famous astronomer.

David: Oh don't tell me. Jérôme Lalande?

Vello: The very person. Astronomer, freemason and writer. Haven't seem him since he was quite a young lad. Very clever chap though. Elected to the Prussian Academy at the age of nineteen.

David: He'll be older by now though, undoubtedly.

Vello: O undoubtedly!

Terence: What's the Punching Academy?

David: Ask your pussy cats.

Left pussy cat grommet: He said Russian.

Right pussy cat grommet: Really? I thought I heard Fission.

Terence: Fishing! Yippee! My parrot loves fishing!