There's an oystercatcher flying above us, says Nico.
That will be Roo-kai, says Belle.
He's my parrot, says Terence.
But a parrot does not have... begins Nico.
Roo-kai descends, and flies beside Belle, at head level.
Just dropping in for a brief report, says Roo-kai.
He's a spy, says Terence.
Was, says Roo-kai. I am not spying now. The carrot is aware of my presence.
How is it doing? asks Belle.
Is this the carrot you mentioned? asks Nico.
Yes, says Belle. It's making a parallel journey to Le Havre, in the Seine.
The carrot is keeping a course down the middle, says Roo-kai.
The middle? says Nico. Then it doesn't know much about sailing.
It's a carrot, says Belle. We don't expect it to know anything.
It can only say carrot, says Terence.
It should stick to the proper side, says Nico. Perhaps you should warn it.
I have confidence in the carrot, says Roo-kai. But now I must return. Will you be stopping in Rouen?
Yes, says Belle. For bubble waffles.
Tell me where, says Roo-kai. And I'll meet you.
Yes, says Terence. And bring the carrot.
Good idea, says Belle. I don't like to think of it making its way through Rouen, past all the huge vessels.
I'll try and persuade it, says Roo-kai.
He flies off.
Hey! calls Nico. Shack Café! 89 Rue Lafayettte!
Roo-kai wheels in the sky.
Got it! says Roo-kai.
He flies back to the river, and looks for the carrot.
There it is, in the middle.
A tour boat is approaching, with tourists leaning over the railings.
What are they looking for?
Impressionist scenes, for which Rouen is famous.
O look papa, a speck of orange on the water!
Very well spotted, Marlene!
But no! says maman. Look closer, and you will see it is a carrot!
Little Marlene is disappointed.
But then, a surprise for the tourists. An oystercatcher swoops down and plucks the carrot from the shimmering multi-flecked water.
The quick-thinking ones get a photo.
No comments:
Post a Comment