Without Gifts

The Ears have swelled considerably.

They seem different as well.

They're quivering, says Captain Baudin.

Reconstituted orange peel is never the same, observes Victor

Speak, Ears, says Captain du Couedic. Do you still have your gifts? 

What gifts? asks the larger Ear.

We have no gifts, says the smaller Ear. Where is Terence? Where is Baby-Glossy?

Merde! cries Captain du Couedic. The Ears are no longer gifted.

Wait, says Captain Baudin. Give them a chance. Ask a specific question.

Bonne idée! says Captain du Couedic. Ears, explain the method of mail delivery to the lighthouse in the old days.

As if we would know anything about that, says the larger Ear. 

As if, says the smaller. All we want is to meet our creator.

Creators, says the larger. We had two different ones.

Tut! says Captain du Couedic. Not only have they lost their gifts, but they have turned heretical.

If you don't want them, says Sweezus, that's cool. We'll take them back to Louisa's. 

Will Terence be there? asks the larger Ear.

Yeah and Gaius, and Baby-Glossy, says Sweezus. They're all making sushi.

We'll join in, says the larger Ear. 

We'll enjoy it, says the smaller.

Turncoats, mutters Captain du Couedic.

We'd better be going, says Victor. 

Yeah, we'd better, says Sweezus. He stands, hitching up his board shorts.

The thermometer drops from his armpit.

Shit, says Sweezus. Forgot that was there.

Let me see! says Captain du Couedic. Alors! It is fracassé!

Sorry, says Sweezus. I'll get you another one.

A more modern one, perhaps, suggests Captain Baudin.

No way, says Sweezus. They're heaps expensive.

A traditional thermometer will suffice, says Captain du Couedic. Au revoir, mes amis. I can't say it was wholly a pleasure. But it seems the Ears would not have lasted much longer.

Arthur is already half way down the stairs.

Sweezus is not far behind.

Victor hurries after them, to avoid being left to transport the ladder. 

They forgot us! say the Ears.

I'm still here, says Saint Roley. I'll fly you back to Louisa's.

What about me? asks Captain Baudin. No compass. 

Stay with me, mon ami, says Captain du Couedic.

Very kind, says Captain Baudin.

How are you at rope swinging? asks Captain du Couedic.

Rope swinging? Mon dieu! Let's leave them to it.