Not Round The Eyes

Raoul and Markus return to the campsite, both looking relieved.

How's our prize specimen spider? asks Markus, when he reaches the jar.

He can see his prize specimen spider looks worried.

He's worried, says Baby Pierre. He thinks you've buried Gaius's page two notes.

Markus understands the implication.

Not at all, says Markus. Raoul didn't need it. And even if he had, I should have prevented the paper being used in that way.

Raoul looks sheepish.

No one asks Raoul what he did use.

Some things are best to gloss over.

Baby Pierre is therefore able to see Gaius's sketch of the Chinese jumping spider (maratus furvus) and compare it with the prize specimen spider, Ar-Lu-Lun.

It does look like him.

Perhaps not round the eyes though.

Baby Pierre voices his doubts.

Interesting to hear your opinion, says Markus. We would prefer him to be a new species. Of course, should he turn out to be Chinese, that would be a coup as well.

Win-win. Ar-Lu-Lun experiences double happiness.

The two female spiders who accompanied Baby Pierre on his bicycle to the camp site also look happy.

It's lovely to know a celebrity.

They almost wish he would dance.

Of course he doesn't.

What now? asks Baby Pierre. Do you write a report for a scientific journal?

We post his photo on Facebook, says Raoul.

Not yet, says Markus, I'd like to confer further with Gaius.

I'll go back and tell him, says Baby Pierre. He'll probably come over.

He hops on his bike.

Leave us here, say first and second female spider.

I was going to, says Baby Pierre.

You don't mind if they stay? Markus asks his prize specimen spider.

(Best not to upset him).

I don't mind, says Ar-Lu-Lun. As long as they remain outside the glass.

The female spiders agree that they will.

Markus and Raoul set about preparing some dinner.

Baked beans again.