Tin Philosophy

They walk back to the campsite together.

Gaius has cut up the cheese and set out a few apples, in a pleasing formation.

We've got a guest, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Guests are always welcome, says Gaius. 

Not poisonous ones, says Terence. 

Even poisonous ones are welcome, says Gaius. 

A fellow philosopher, I see, says James Philosopher Smith.

A natural historian, says Gaius. Gaius Plinius Secundus.

James Philosopher Smith, says the Philosopher.

Pleased to meet you, says Gaius. I trust you like cheese.

I do, says James Philosopher Smith. And I'm fond of apples.

He takes one.

Sit down, says Gaius. Make yourself comfy.

Guess what? says Terence.

You spotted a platypus? says Gaius.

He did, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

He shows Gaius the photo.

Gaius is not quite as pleased as Terence might have expected.

You went into the water! says Gaius. 

I was careful, says Terence. And we made friends. 

He was careful, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Can you send the photo to Sweezus? asks Terence.

Yeah, why not, says Surfing-with-Whales.

He sends the photo of Terence and the platypus to Sweezus.

Do you live hereabouts, James? asks Gaius, munching his first slice of cheese.

Since 1871, says Philosopher Smith. When I discovered tin in the area, at Mount Bischoff.

Ha ha! laughs Terence. Mount Bischoff!

Was there much of it? asks Gaius.

A great deal, says Philosopher Smith. It became the biggest tin mine in the southern hemisphere, but I'd sold my shares before that.

I see why you became a philosopher, says Gaius. 

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. You must've missed out on a fortune.

Philosopher Smith takes a last bite of his apple, and reaches for cheese.

He nods philosophically.

We're going up to look at the falls after this, says Surfing-with-Whales.

In the dark? asks Gaius. 

Yay! says Terence. 

It won't be dark for ages, says Surfing-with-Whales.

His phone dings with a message from Sweezus.

WTF!