What Might Be A Third Way?

First things first, says Gaius, when they get back to the bird hide.

First things being? says Arthur.

The pencil, says Gaius. As you see, the lead's broken. I hope it's not in short pieces, all the way through.

It's a pretty dud pencil, says Arthur.

Not so dud, says Ronnie.

He was lost, says Terence. In the bushes. My old parrot found him,

Give it here, says Arthur.

He takes out his knife.

Terence watches in horror as Arthur skins Ronnie.

Now Ronnie is shorter, but pointy.

He also has curls.

Take them off! says Terence.

Leave them, says Ronnie.

They'll drop off by themselves, says Arthur. Now what?

The undershorts, says Gaius. And the hammer.

These are transferred.

Now if you'll pack up the tent, we'll get going, says Gaius. Terence can help you.

What will you do? asks Arthur.

Change into these, says Gaius.

Arthur dismantles the tent.

Terence helps him, by pulling out a tent peg.

Swurp! The tent peg comes out. Can I have this? asks Terence.

Sure, says Arthur. But don't lose it.

The turnip turns to Saint Roley, who is next to him, watching.

It's sharp, that tent peg. Next I'll be getting a face!

No you won't, says Saint Roley. I'll protect you.

Until supper, says the turnip.

What would you rather? asks Saint Roley. Having a face, or being Gaius's supper?

Neither, says the turnip.

What then? asks Saint Roley. A Third Way?

The turnip had not thought about a Third Way until Saint Roley said it.

What might be a Third Way?

Terence approaches with the tent peg.

Halt! says Saint Roley.

I don't have to, says Terence. Why?

The turnip has a suggestion, says Saint Roley. It doesn't want a face and it doesn't want to be supper.

What does it want? asks Terence. Wait a minute! I know!

The idea has come to him suddenly.

He drives the tent peg into the top of the turnip.

Yeeouchee!

He pulls it out again.

You've ruined it, says Saint Roley.

No, I haven't, says Terence. I've made a safe home for Ronnie.

The turnip's first thought is: Who's Ronnie?