Stiff Listening

Now what? asks the knowlesi.

Your prayer will be answered, says Terence.

That's up to us, says Saint Méen.

Go on then, says Terence.

Saints Méen and Maclou look at one another.

This involves squatting. 

Creak-crack! go their bones.

A couple of plasters should do it, says Saint Méen, looking closely. 

Plasters! says the knowlesi. Any vet could do that.

Without the praying, says Terence. 

Yes, without the praying, says the knowlesi.

The knowlesi is cross.

More white stuff is oozing out through the split in his belly.

Calm down, knowlesi, says Belle. The saints have promised to fix you.

Does anyone have a plaster? asks Saint Maclou.

Not me, says Saint Méen. I used my last one on a blister.

Nor I, says Saint Maclou. Except for this one, on my finger. 

You can't use that! says Belle. I'll go and look for a chemist.

She goes off to search.

Quiet-tartus is stirring.

What's happening? Are we in heaven?

Ha ha! laughs Terence. We're only in Flamanville.

Yes, Flamanville, says Saint Méen. Lie still, little frog. Your innards are spilling.

Belle's gone to get a plaster, says Terence.

Quiet-tartus looks up at the saints. 

The saints feel a bit guilty.

We could .... says Saint Méen.

But it's best to allow nature... says Saint Maclou.

What's nature about a plaster? asks Quiet-tartus. Take off those beanies and start buzzing! 

The saints don't like being ordered to take off their beanies and buzz up a miracle.

Furthermore Terence is watching. What might he learn if they acquiesce meekly? 

We'll wait, says Saint Méen.

They sit down on the grass, which is better than squatting.

Terence hums to the frogs:

hm hm hm

The frogs listen stiffly.