The Drawbridge Is Coming!

Gaius tiptoes on, and drapes a dirty cloth over one of the desks.

Next scene, says Captain Baudin. An old woman's hovel.

Sweezus sits on the grass, with his finger in a pot of ointment.

Ageless shuffles on, wearing Kobo as his left buttock.

What's that behind you? calls the irritating person.

The long handled hook appears, from behind the flimsy curtain.

Never mind, says the person.

It is the old woman's left buttock, explains Captain Baudin.

What happened to her right one? asks the person, emboldened.

To reveal that would be to reveal her identity prematurely, says Captain Baudin. One must attend.

Enough! hisses Vello, thrusting the hook towards Captain Baudin.

Silence, tout le monde! says Captain Baudin.

Why are you so kind to me? asks Sweezus.

Do not thank me, says Ageless. Rub yourself with the ointment, eat some food, sleep, and in the morning I have a surprise for you.

Sweezus mimes astonishment and gratitude, rubbing himself with ointment, eating a crust of bread, and lying down.

The next morning.... begins Captain Baudin.

Wait! shouts the Earthquake. The drawbridge is coming!

We decided against the drawbridge, says Captain Baudin.

But we've GOT one! says the Earthquake. Remember?

Earthquake and Storm run on and place one third of the split cardboard mast in front of the second desk, which is now draped with a brick-coloured tea towel.

The Lonely Maison, says Captain Baudin, with un moat, and un drawbridge.

Ageless leads Sweezus over the grass to the drawbridge, which they shuffle across.

Hurry, dearest, says the old woman's left buttock. I'm slipping.

Ageless tugs at the royal blue ribbon, to adjust his left buttock's position.

A few people laugh.