Unforeseen

A lobster emerges from the door of the light house.

Another sea captain perhaps.

A lobster! says Perrot. What's it doing here?

It probably lives here, dad, says Claudine.

I bet it's a friend of Captain Baudin, says Louisa. Sea captains tend to know one another.

Correct! says the lobster. I am the best friend of Captain Baudin. Do you know him?

We left our baby-glossy with him, to learn English, says Louisa.

It won't be pure English, says the lobster. But never mind. What it learns will be colourful.

So you're a sea captain? says Perrot.

I am Charles Louis, Chevalier du Couedic de Kergoualer, says the lobster.

You're named after the lighthouse! says Alfonse.

You are young, so I won't take offence, says Charles Louis. The lighthouse is named for the cape it stands on, which is named after me.

That's cool, says Louisa. We've just been learning about the history of the lighthouse.

From the two knowledgeable Ears. I know, says Charles Louis. I too was listening.

The Ears turn bright red.

I have come out of the lighthouse to make them an offer, says Charles Louis.

What does that mean? asks Terence.

Wait, says Louisa. He'll tell us.

Perhaps the Ears would like to stay and assist me as tour guides, says Charles Louis. It's a fine life, out here. And no tourists are allowed in the lighthouse. We'd have it all to ourselves.

A fine life! The Ears look excited. 

The Ears belong to Alfonse and Terence, says Louisa. So it's their decision.

Do you want to? asks Terence.

Terence's Ear looks at Alfonse's Ear. 

Alfonse's Ear nods, then looks hesitant.

What? says Terence's Ear.

All those steps, says Alfonse's Ear.

They can't do steps, says Terence. Do you have a flying fox with a basket?

No I don't, says Charles Louis. But I'll take the upstairs and the Ears can remain on the ground floor, if they prefer it.

So there is no obstacle.

The Ears agree to be tour guides at the lighthouse. 

We'd best be off, says Perrot. Come on kids.

Do have a look at Admiral's Arch before leaving, says Charles Louis. It's at the end of the point that the lighthouse is on. There's a boardwalk around the cliff face. With any luck you'll see fur seals at play on the rocks.

Great! says Claudine.

Can we? asks Alfonse.

Okay, says Perrot. 

Can we go? asks Terence. 

Okay, says Louisa. I always love to see fur seals.

Me too, says Terence (who has never seen fur seals before).