No Time For Mopers

 Was that Saint Roley? asks Louisa.

Gaius looks up.

Possibly. But I don't think so.

Gaius is right. 

It is an oystercatcher who isn't Saint Roley. 

But it's heading towards Emu Bay.

The oystercatcher who isn't Saint Roley glances down momentarily.

She thinks: That is probably them. Should I stop and introduce myself?  No I shouldn't. I'll do what I promised Saint Roley. I mean Roley. Or do I? I can't stop thinking of him as Saint Roley. O well, onward and upward. 

It's not far to Emu Bay. 

She lands on the beach and spends some time looking for molluscs. 

But soon finds a fossil.

She picks up the fossil. A trilobite with antennae? This is a find!

She might keep it. Or show it to Saint Roley's friends.

It will make a fine introduction.

Here they come now, on their bicycles. The older man is sucking on an orange. The two younger ones are not far behind. Shouldn't there be an infant?

Perhaps they have lost it.

The three cyclists stop, and get off their bicycles.

She approaches.

Hello. I'm a friend of Saint Roley. I mean Roley. He asked me to come.

Why? asks Louisa.

Long story, says the oystercatcher who isn't Saint Roley.

Tell it, says Louisa. We've got time. 

I met him on the shore at Kingscote, says she. He was moping. I have no time for mopers. I told him so. He replied that he was burdened by his name and had only just realised. I said what is your name? He said Saint Roley. I said no wonder. He liked that. Then I told him my name.

What is it? asks Louisa.

Porntip, says the oystercatcher who isn't Saint Roley.

That's a nice name, says Louisa.

Thank you, says Porntip.

What's that you have there? asks Gaius.

O this, says Porntip. I forgot I had it. Look! A trilobite fossil, and here...traces of antennae!

Fascinating, says Gaius. Our visit is worthwhile already!