Let It Be A Surprise

P. kameri has returned with a branch, with some leaves on.

What's this for? asks Gaius. A fly whisk?

Lerps, says P. krameri.

And sure enough, there are lerps on the leaves.

Very good, says Gaius. But how will we store them?

You can have this paper bag, says Arthur. But it's got half a chocolate in it.

No, no, says Captain Bruni. I can deal with your lerps. I have plenty of sealable containers in my humble old vessel.

I should like to see your humble old vessel, says Gaius. Where do you keep it?

At the Oyster Cove Marina, says Captain Bruni. It's upmarket, but I get a discount on the mooring rates.

As you should, says Gaius.

Shall we wander over there now? says Captain Bruni.

All right, says Gaius. Arthur, are you coming?

Wouldn't miss it, says Arthur.

.....

The Oyster Cove Marina is lovely. A network of trails lead to it, through varied bushland. Panoramic views of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel towards Bruny Island.

Very nice marina, says Gaius. How many boats does it accommodate?

Two hundred and fifty, says Captain Bruni. Can you guess which one's mine?

Gaius, Arthur and P. krameri scan the marina. They are looking for something quite small.

Arthur cocks his head at a dinghy.

Ha ha! says Captain Bruny. Try again.

There's a beauty, says Gaius, indicating a mahogany sailing yacht, with a spruce mast and teak decking.

That's her, says Captain Bruny. The Recherche. I like to keep her shipshape. She has two main sails, two furling genoas, one spinnaker, a self steering wind vane and a three cylinder motor. Also a gas stove and oven, a toilet, a double bed and two singles. And a six person Viking life raft.

You don't say, says Gaius. Well, it's very kind of you to offer us a night on board.

Not at all, says Captain Bruni. Glad of the company. Welcome aboard.

......

Captain Bruni makes mugs of tea, and pulls out a box of hard biscuits.

Not for me thanks, says Gaius. I've got this cracked tooth.

You should see a dentist, says Captain Bruni.

Later, says Gaius. That reminds me, I must call Katherine.

He calls Katherine.

No answer.

Send her a message, says Arthur.

Of course, says Gaius. A message. He starts typing.

change of plan meet at recherche oyster cove marina not gateway all catching ferry tomorrow

He shows it to Arthur. How's that?

Good, says Arthur. Tell her I've saved her a chocolate.

Half a chocolate, says Gaius. But we'll let that be a surprise.