He's From Barcelona

Sartre and Belle are just leaving for the oyster beds, when François-René arrives.

I've come for Arthur, says François-René.

He fell off the mezzanine last night, says Belle.

Alors! says François-René. Where is he?

Gone to Pointe de Grouin with Sweezus, says Belle. He thinks he might have concussion. He'll be back later.

Merde! says François-René. But it's good you have confidence.

He notices Sartre.

Sartre looks thinner and fitter, but he still looks like Sartre.

Thick lips, round glasses, side parting.

Is it? Could it be? asks François-René. Sartre?

Yes, says Belle. It is. And Jean-Paul, this is the famous .....

François-René de Chateaubriand! ejaculates Sartre. I recognise the handsome looks and dark kiss curl. We're about to visit the Cancale oyster beds. Will you join us?

Of course he will, seeing Arthur is out of the question.

Thus Belle is saved from a possible attempt at seduction.

But must now endure two philosophical companions.

......

Pointe de Grouin.

Sweezus and Arthur arrive.

Arthur! says Gaius. Good man! Have you brought the specimen jar?

Terence has it, says Arthur.

Terence holds forth the jar.

What's this in it? asks Gaius.

I've made it comfy for my beetle, says Terence. Where is he?

Still bleeding into my hat, says Jeanne Jugan. Is this the replacement?

She picks up Sartre's unravelled hat. How will this keep the sun off?

A poor sort of hat, says Jeanne Jugan.

It's Sartre's hat, says Sweezus. If that's a consolation.

And who are you? asks Jeanne Jugan, looking at Sweezus.

A disreputable looking young man if ever she saw one. Probably a surfer.

Sweezus, says Terence. When I grow up, I'll be...

No, you won't, says Sweezus. You're from Barcelona. Let's see the beetle.

The beetle is transferred to the comfy Sartre's-hat-lined specimen jar.

Instantly he stops bleeding (or spitting, or spewing) and settles.

Jeanne tries on the remains of the hat.

Suits you, says Sweezus.

She softens a little towards him.

You don't have a pair of binoculars?

Yeah, I don't. What about that pair you're holding?

Too cheap for looking at birds.

What birds? says Sweezus.

Saint Roley, my parrot, says Terence. We can't see him.

When did you see him last? asks Sweezus. Is he out there?

Yes, says Terence sadly. On the island.You need to go out and save him.

Nonsense, says Gaius. It's a bird sanctuary. No one is allowed there. We can only watch and wait. I must say, it's not the ideal scenario.

He's right. Not the ideal scenario.

But he has reckoned without Arthur'c concussion.