We Don't Own Light Planes

His egg? asks Captain Baudin.

A joint egg, of course, says Roo-kai. Run over by a four wheel drive vehicle.

How sad, says Captain Baudin. Especially after what happened to his brother.

Yes, says Roo-kai. I believe he has given up searching.

Sometimes that is best, says Captain Baudin. One must look to the future.

Crackle crackle.

Excuse me, says Captain Baudin.

He slips under the rock, to receive the new message.

He emerges.

Du Fresne is on his way to Melaeuca, says Captain Baudin. 

Is it far? asks Roo-kai.

Not for him, says Baudin. He knows someone with a light plane who can take him.

Another lobster? asks Roo-kai.

Ha ha, no, laughs Baudin. A human. We lobsters are seafarers. We don't own light planes.

Why doesn't he sail there? asks Roo-kai.

He's doing you a favour, says Baudin. Light plane is faster.

I hope you thanked him, says Roo-kai.

I thanked him, says Baudin. He should be there shortly. Have some more mussels, if you're still hungry.

I'm done, says Roo-kai. Tell me about the last time you saw Saint Roley.

Ah, says Baudin. We were sailing together, west of Stokes Bay. We sang French sea shanties together.

I love it! says Roo-kai. Can you sing me one now?

How about Ti ti lariti tonton? says Baudin. 

He sings:

Petite a la ti ti lariti tonton lariton......

I'd like to learn it, for the sentimental connection, says Roo-kai.

All right, says Baudin. Try it on your own while I beat out the tune. 

Bom bom bom bom bom bombom

Roo-kai sings: Petite ti ti lariti ton ton.

That's good, for a beginner, says Baudin.

Crackle crackle.

Excuse me.

Roo-kai continues singing. Baudin goes back under his rock.

He emerges.

Du Fresne's there! says Baudin. He's heading for the walkers' hut now.

Ti ti lariti ton ton! sings Roo-kai.

There he will ask someone to show him the way to the bird hide, says Baudin. And there he will hide, looking for the two orange-bellied parrots that you have described.

Described? says Roo-kai. He's only been given their nicknames.

You forget, says Baudin. He also knows they are the only orange-bellied parrots to have reached Tasmania by ferry. 

Yes, of course, says Roo-kai.

How well this is going. It is almost as if events are being guided by the spirit of Saint Roley.

Ti ti lariti ton ton!

Bom bom.