Trick Muscles

Gaius returns to Batman Park, where he left Pierre-Louis and Terence.

Did you return the blanket? asks Pierre-Louis.

I did, says Gaius. 

Any problems? asks Pierre-Louis.

No, says Gaius. The student who occupies the room was glad to have it.

Did he not have a blanket? asks Pierre-Louis.

He had one, says Gaius, and now he has two.

Marx wouldn't think much of that, says Pierre-Louis.

Ha ha, laughs Gaius. He wouldn't!

Guess what? says Terence.

What? says Gaius.

Look up! says Terence.

Gaius looks up.

Squattu is hanging upside down in a tree.

Why is she up there? asks Gaius. 

She woke up, says Terence.

You woke her, says Pierre-Louis.

And she wanted to show me a trick, says Terence.

And this is it? says Gaius. She seems to have fallen asleep again.

She's pretending, says Terence.

Yes I am, says Squattu. 

What was the trick? asks Gaius.

Sleeping upside down, says Terence.

All fruit bats can do it, says Gaius. They have special muscles designed to lock on to a branch. Then they can hang upside down without using much energy.

Woo, says Terence. Have I got them?

No, says Gaius. And I doubt whether you could develop them.

You could develop them, says Squattu. I could show you.

Come down, says Gaius. I want to ask you a question

Okay, says Squattu.

Why do bats say Holy Mackerel? asks Gaius.

We says Holy other things as well, says Squattu.

Holy Bumhole? says Terence.

Not Holy Bumhole, says Squattu. That's rude.

Will you answer? asks Gaius.

Batman and Robin, says Squattu. We all watch it. And Robin says Holy Mackerel Batman! when he's surprised.

I see, says Gaius. 

He is in two minds whether or not to write this down. 

Squattu could be pulling his leg.