Little Burnt Ears

Mariposa brings out the decorative bottle of Espiritu del Ecuador.

It represents the Middle of the World monument in Quito, which marks the equator.

A toast, before the next course, says Pedro Vicente Maldonado.

They drink it.

The next course is brought in.

.....

Knock knock.

Pescado opens.

It's Sweezus and Arthur.

You're late, says Pescado. And his knees are bleeding!

He fell off the train, says Sweezus.

Wow! says Pescado. And what's that in the sack?

Yeah, where can we put it? asks Sweezus.

Bring it in, says Pescado.

...

Arthur! says Gaius. You've been in the wars.

We both have, says Sweezus. What's for dinner?

We're about to begin the second course, says Pedro Vicente Maldonado. Sit down, boys.

What's in the sack? asks Lydia.

Long story, says Sweezus.

A high pitched sound, Kuyee! wails from the depths of it.

Arthur now notices what's piled on the central platter.

Spit roasted guinea pigs.

You can tell by their little burnt ears.

I fell down a steep mountain, says Arthur. I was injured. Sweezus found me and slid down with the string. We pulled ourselves up to the train track. Some local farmers saw us and gave us a lift into town. They gave us a guinea pig.

Errh! says Sweezus.

Too late. Arthur has divulged the nature of the gift as a live guinea pig. It seems inappropriate when guinea pig is for dinner. But Arthur doesn't mind causing trouble

Kuyee!

Let it out! cries Mariposa!

Arthur opens the sack which is tied loosely with the remains of the eco-friendly string.

Out dashes the guinea pig, beside herself, after smelling cooked sisters and brothers.

A fine gift, says Pedro Vincente Maldonado. You were honoured.

They must've liked us, says Sweezus. This looks good. Never eaten roast guinea pig before.

Saint Roley looks at Terence.

Terence is spearing yellow popcorns with his claw.

Lydia and Tilly look sympathetic. But their good manners won't let them get up from the table.

Saint Roley flutters down to the corner where the live guinea pig, gift of farmers, is shivering.

And tries to befriend her.

I too am offended, says Saint Roley.