Sheep Shorts

Is that it? asks Belle. End of rehearsal?

Yes, says Vello. We've made good progress. The scientific machine seems to be working. Right Gaius?

It could lift an elephant, says Gaius. 

Excellent, says Vello, looking at David.

Why look at me? says David. I'm just one of four in the basket.

Terence is pretty heavy, says Belle.

Hedley isn't, says Hedley's mother.

And Sweezus is average, says Belle.

Thanks, says Sweezus.

You know what I mean, says Belle. Okay! Costumes to be tried on tomorrow! Shall we meet here?

No, come to my house, says Gaius. I have a mirror.

Bring a ladder, says Terence.

.......

The next evening, at Gaius's house.

We see why Terence asked for a ladder.

Gaius's mirror is in the bathroom, over the basin, and doesn't show legs or feet.

But the costumes look great.

Belle has made two beautiful cloaks out of blue Spotlight feathers. 

She has finished the double sheep's head with extra red wool dotted with red sequins.

She has produced two lovely dresses for the court ladies. One yellow, one green

An old man suit, for Gaius.

And a glittery costume for Arthur, King of Eldorado,

Arthur tries on his glittery costume. 

Nice fit, says David. It would have been tight on Pierre-Louis.

Arthur goes to look at his top half in Gaius's mirror.

Okay, says Belle. Is everyone happy?

What are Candide and Cacambo wearing under their cloaks? asks Hedley's mother.

Why are you asking? asks Vello.

They are given the cloaks as a gift, says Hedley's mother. So what clothes do they arrive in?

What about me and Hedley? asks Terence. We've only got heads.

I've been a bit pressed for time, says Belle. I think everyone can wear what they like underneath,

Gecko shorts? asks Terence.

Have you got gecko shorts? asks Hedley.

I'm wearing my gecko shorts, says Terence.

Where are the geckoes? asks Hedley.

Terence looks down.

It is true that the geckoes have faded.

Never mind, says Belle. Sheep in gecko shorts would have looked a bit funny.

But you said, says Terence.

I'll buy you some new shorts, says Belle. How about sheep shorts?

If Terence is having sheep shorts, says Hedley's mother, Hedley's having sheep shorts.

Of course he is, says Belle. Tomorrow mornng, first thing, we'll go shopping.

I don't want to wear sheep shorts says Terence.

Me either, says Hedley.

But it's too late now. 

Belle is in charge of the costumes and she has decided on sheep shorts.