Perils Of Intellectual Curiosity

Powelltown.

That's the way to the Spur, says Shane Corr.

Thank you, says Gaius. We'll head out there. 

You camping? asks Shane Corr.

Yes, says Gaius. The Leadbeater's possum is nocturnal.

Gets bloomin' cold at night, this time of year, says Shane Corr.

Fortunately the Leadbeater's possum has the ability to withstand freezing temperatures, says Gaius.

I think he means it'll be cold for us, says Pierre-Louis.

Yeah, I do, says Shane Corr.

We have a blanket, says Gaius. 

And two plastic bags, says Pierre-Louis.

Hats off to you then, says Shane Corr. Sure you don't want me to give your kid a tour of the remnants?

Perhaps tomorrow, says Gaius.

What about that skink then? asks Shane Corr.

He seems very keen to show someone the remnants.

Gaius pokes his head into the carriage.

What? says Terence.

We're here, says Gaius. Where's Easter Morning?

Here, says Easter Morning coming out from under the blanket.

How would you like a quick tour of the remnants? says Gaius. We've just met an old timer, who seems keen to show someone around.

Why can't he show me! says Terence.

Because we need you, says Gaius.

Not right now! says Terence. I want a tour of the remnants!

You don't even know what they are, says Gaius.

That's why! says Terence.

It's a good answer, showing intellectual curiosity. Gaius rethinks his decision.

All right, as long as Shane Corr gets you back to our camp before evening. 

Yay! says Terence.

Yum! says Easter Morning.

What does that mean? asks Terence.

I can look for grasshoppers, says Easter Morning.

Shane Corr wheels his bike up to the carriage.

Hello lad, you're coming with me.

So is Easter Morning, says Terence.

Anyone else? says Shane Corr.

Squatty is sleeping, says Terence. So she isn't.

Fine, says Shane Corr. One lad and one skink will do me.

Terence and Easter Morning jump out of the carriage. 

Shane Corr indicates that Terence should sit on his bicycle cross bar.

Is that safe? asks Gaius.

Yes! I have perfect balance, says Terence.

I always forget you have perfect balance, says Gaius. Enjoy your tour of the remnants. See you this evening, on Dowey Spur. By the way, Shane, how will you find us?

Don't you worry about that, says Shane Corr. I'll find you.

He cycles away.

What's that sticking out of his back pack? asks Pierre-Louis.

Looks like a handle, says Gaius.

Not an axe surely? says Pierre-Louis.

They agree that it must be a spade.