A Frisson Of Danger

Paperwork done, they head towards Yellingbo.

Gaius and Pierre-Louis, on the Norco Chargers.

Terence and Squattu, pulled behind Gaius, in the carriage.

The road is not busy.

Gaius and Pierre-Louis ride side by side.

Did you google the deer control? asks Pierre-Louis.

Not yet, says Gaius. 

Deer must be a problem, says Pierre-Louis. Perhaps they catch and enclose them.

Then what? asks Gaius. 

When I was in Lapland, says Pierre-Louis, the Laplanders used forest reindeer to pull sleds.

I doubt they still do, says Gaius. The forest reindeer in Lapland are endangered.

Are they? asks Pierre-Louis, remembering his Laplander hat. It's many years since I went there.

I fear that in Yellingbo Conservation Reserve, deer control may be a euphemism, says Gaius.

For what? Oh! I see what you're getting at, says Pierre-Louis. 

We shall have to keep our eyes and ears open, says Gaius.

Perhaps we should re-think our mission, says Pierre-Louis.

Surely you're not averse to a frisson of danger, says Gaius.

But what about Terence? asks Pierre-Louis.

Hard as nails, says Gaius. Nothing ever happens to Terence that my fish glue can't fix.

I thought it softened in water, says Pierre-Louis.

There is always my bull glue, says Gaius.

And Squattu? asks Pierre-Louis.

She will have to rely on bat radar, says Gaius.

Are Terence and Squattu listening to this pragmatic conversation?

Let's see.

Aah! What a sweet little carriage. It even has cushions.

Terence and Squattu are leaning back watching the sky.

They are playing Cannot But Be, which Squattu is good at.

Terence: What if a beetle?

Squattu: Cannot but beetle.

Terence: So what if a bat?

Squattu: Cannot bat bee.

Terence. Bat bee? Wrong answer! Cannot but bat.

Squattu: Ha ha. It's a bat answer. What if a bottle?

Terence: Cannot but.. no.. bat.. be bottle.

Squattu: Bravo! You beat me.

So no, they weren't listening.