French Flies

Now what? says Terence.

We'll look around the dock area, says Belle. 

They pass the Bains des Docks, an aquatic centre.

Can we go swimming? asks Terence.

I don't think so, says Belle. 

My frogs want to go swimming, says Terence.

What? says Quiet-tartus. Swimming? No, we want to eat flies.

Here's a nice grassy area, says Belle. I'll let you out here.

Swimming would be better, says Terence.

But the frogs don't think so. They hop away to catch flies.

Belle sits on the grass and takes her phone out. 

A missed call from Gaius. What can he want?

She calls Gaius.

Hoo-cgh!-uch!-hrm! says Gaius. Who is it?

Me, Belle,  says Belle. Sorry did I wake you?

Not at all, says Gaius. Just coughing. Winter ills. Aha! I wanted to speak to you.

Well, go ahead, says Belle.

Where are you? asks Gaius.

In Le Havre, says Belle. I was following Baby Pierre here. But I arrived first. So I'm waiting, in a grassy area.

Is Terence with you? asks Gaius.

Yes, says Belle. Do you want to speak to him?

Later, says Gaius. What about the frogs?

They're here, says Belle. Hopping about catching flies.

French flies? says Gaius.

Is that supposed to be funny? asks Belle.

No.. oh yes, ha ha, I suppose it is funny, says Gaius. French flies! But seriously, those frogs must return to Australia. How would you describe their condition?

Fine, says Belle. They made a friend, a green spotted frog who called herself Parsley.

A pelodytes punctatus! says Gaius. 

That's her, says Belle.

Don't let them get too friendly, says Gaius. 

They didn't, says Belle. And now she's gone home.

Very good, says Gaius. So, when can we expect you?

Don't know, says Belle. We're waiting for Baby Pierre.

Here he comes! cries Terence. 

And its true. Here he comes, having leapt from the panier velo of an ancient chap in a buzzing red beanie.

Behind whom is another ancient chap in a similar beanie, from whose panier velo leaps Ouvert.

Above them Roo-kai flutters, looking pleased with his efforts.