Gaius comes up the stone steps, from the cellar.
He is carrying a plastic container.
I'm just popping down to the beach to collect some sea water, says Gaius.
He hurries off, towards the cliff steps.
Be careful! calls Jean-Claude. The tide's in!
I'm aware of that! says Gaius, disappearing.
Saint Arnoc has also come up from the cellar.
Is Gaius back yet? asks Saint Arnoc.
He's only just gone, says Jean-Claude.
Alors! says Saint Arnoc. This little fellow needs some sea water.
He holds out his hand, to show them the head of the elysia.
The head is wandering about on his hand.
Looking for algae, says Saint Arnoc. Gaius tells me it's a sap-sucker.
It's just a head, says Jean-Claude.
Dad! says Bertille. Don't you know anything? It'll grow a new body, when it gets the right food.
Amazing! says Jean-Claude. What a natural wonder!
Rusty kicks at a stone.
Ding! Some gold paint flakes away from his toe.
What's wrong with Rusty? asks Saint Arnoc.
He's not valuable, says Terence.
Everyone is valuable, says Saint Arnoc.
The museum man didn't want him, says Bertille.
He is somewhat damaged, says Saint Arnoc. Scratches and so on. They probably have replacement cherubs, in a store room.
Rusty looks glum.
That means you're FREE! says Terence. It's good! No one wanted me either.
Gaius has returned with the sea water. His clothes are wet.
That is not correct, Terence, says Gaius. They await your return in Barcelona.
No they don't, says Terence.
You were replaced by a toy bear. It was never supposed to be permanent, says Gaius.
Ha ha! laughs Rusty. A toy bear. That's funny!
Shut up, says Terence.
Okay, says Rusty.
Where is the head of the elysia? asks Gaius.
Right here, says Saint Arnoc.
Drop it in, says Gaius. This sea water is cloudy with algae. We should soon see results.
That reminds me, says Saint Arnoc. Lunch is ready. Where are the soup plates?
The soup plates! Terence looks at Rusty. They're still in the washing up bowl.
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