Where's France From Here?

Alexander von Humboldt is lucky. The chasm he has fallen into is narrow.

He is wedged not too far from the top.

Paco peers into the chasm.

He says: Wait for the rope.

Humboldt was already waiting.

Down snakes the rope.

He ties it round his waist with numb fingers.

And is hauled up by Paco. But one of his shoes has come off.

This is the only thing wrong with the rescue.

Humboldt will have to hop down Chimborazo.

I'll walk beside you, says Pauline. We can talk about.....why you are no longer famous.

You are a gem, says Alexander von Humboldt. It's a topic I have long dwelt on.

Speak, says Pauline. And don't put that foot down!

Sweezus and Arthur have got ahead of Paco. They know the way down.

They are talking about logistics.

Where's France from here? says Arthur.

No idea, says Sweezus.

He downloads a map.

Meanwhile at the bottom of Chimborazo the team has awakened.

Simon goes off to the bus stop.

I'll wait for Arthur, says Gaius. In fact, I shall hike to the first refuge, with you young people.

Cool, says Buzz. I was going to ask if I could borrow your waterproof trousers.

Certainly, says Gaius. We'll change when we get there.

We're going to ask Sweezus and Arthur to lend us theirs, says Tilly. And the ice picks and crampons.

Very efficient, says Gaius.

I'll fly up, says Saint Roley. See you up there.

See you up there, says Princess Pacchu. Bet I get there first.

Everyone departs, heading up the lower slopes of Chimborazo.

Very nice, says Gastro. They've abandoned us here at the bottom.

We're not afraid, says one of his siblings.

Arthur is coming, says the other.

Idiots, says Gastro. Arthur's not going to care. We should set about making a life in this location. Is one of you, or better still, are both of you female?

But the siblings, being new-ish, cannot be certain.

We'll ask Gaius , when he comes back, says Gastro.

Gaius will know.