In Pursuit Of Espíritu Santo

From the high point, Terence has a good view of the Roques de Anaga.

The closest to the mainland, and the largest, is the Roque de Tierra; the smaller, more distant, is named Roque de Out.

Can we go there? asks Terence.

It's sometimes possible, at low tide, says the Rector. The Roque de Tierra is linked to the mainland by an isthmus. But there is no time this morning.

Pooh! No time this morning.

Terence edges forward, and is soon out of sight of the Rector.

What a magnificent view, says Gaius, coming up behind the Rector.

Indeed, says the Rector. These two rocks are Tenerife's most emblematic monuments. They are classed as a Special Protection Area for birds. There are six species of seabirds that nest there, including Bulwer and Madeira petrels.

Fascinating, says Gaius. I must make a note. Kong!

Kong comes over, from where he has been sketching the lighthouse.

Petrels, says Gaius. Make a note, Bulwer and Madeira.

What about parrots? asks Kong.

Ha ha, laughs the Rector. You heard me talking to Terence?

I did, says Kong. Now you know why all birds are parrots.

I don't, says Gaius. I was too far behind you, lugging Daniel O'Connell.

Lugging! I like that! says Daniel O'Connell.

 So what is the reason? asks Gaius.

He has confused them with parakeets, says Kong.

But parakeets are simply medium sized parrots with long tail feathers, says Gaius.

Yes, but that is only the beginning, says the Rector. He has then confused parakeet with paraclete. As you know, he used to live on the outside of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. It was there he heard talk of the Paraclete, or Espíritu Santo.

Which came down in the form of a dove, says Gaius. Supposedly.

Supposedly, agrees Kong.

Be that as it may, when I asked Terence to describe a parrot, he described a pigeon, says the Rector.

That is a most charming story, says Kong. I shall note it.

He starts writing it down.

I'm sorry to disabuse you, says Gaius, but when we were in the Netherlands, had you asked Terence to describe his current parrot, he would have described a balloon.

I shall write that down too, says Kong. That is amusing.

A balloon? says the Rector. He is about to pursue the balloon when Terence comes running back from the cliff edge.

I caught a lizard! cries Terence.

Let me see! says the Rector. Why, it's a lagarto tizón! They are endemic to the Out-Roque. What's it doing here?

Gaius, Kong and the Rector stare at the lagarto tizón. It blinks, as it dangles from Terence's hand.

The one with the claw.