The Bringer Of War

Saint Roley is not eating.

You don't like French pastries? asks Captain du Couedic.

I prefer molluscs, says Saint Roley. Failing that, anything fishy.

I may have some anchovies, says Captain du Couedic. 

He goes to look in his pantry.

Saint Roley looks out of the window. 

The old fashioned radio is now playing The Planets.

DER...der-DER....Mars the Bringer of War.

I like this one, says Captain Baudin. 

It doesn't work for me somehow, says Saint Roley. Perhaps because I'm looking out of the window, at the peaceful night sky.

Peaceful, is it? asks Captain Baudin, going to the window.

By chance he looks down.

Alors! A policeman on a bicycle, with a ladder! 

It's Victor, says Saint Roley. And look! Sweezus and Arthur. They must have got here first, without the ladder, and been waiting.

A cunning plan, says Captain Baudin.

Not necessarily, says Saint Roley. Do you think I should go down and warn them?

Warn who of what? asks Captain du Couedic, returning with anchovies and crackers.

They have arrived, says Saint Roley. They are outside with a ladder. They will soon climb up the ladder and look in through this window. 

Probably only one of them will do it, says Captain du Couedic.

You seem calm, says Baudin.

Toutours calme, mon ami, says Captain du Couedic. After all, it is you who are compromised.

And me, says Saint Roley. Perhaps we should hide.

I'll send the Ears down, says Captain du Couedic. Defuse the situation. Ears, will you go down and speak to the prowlers? Let them know all is well and their intervention is not required.

Can we wait till the music is finished? asks the larger Ear.

Non, but I shall turn it up louder, says Captain du Couedic. You will hear it all the way down the stairs.

The Ears stand reluctantly, and go down the stairs.

Captain du Couedic turns the volume up louder.

Saint Roley chews on an anchovy.

Ugh. So salty! Anchovies were never his favourite.

Creak! The door opens, downstairs.....