Not Only Endangered

Arthur waits at the bus stop.

The 106 bus approaches, and stops

Gaius beckons to Arthur, through the window.

Arthur gets on.

The driver glares at Arthur, who has not validated his ticket.

Arthur sits down in a seat behind Gaius and Terence.

Guess what? says Terence.

I know, says Arthur.

What? asks Terence.

You've brought the dead herring, says Arthur.

Is it that obvious? asks Gaius.

Yes, says Arthur. 

Terence wants to give it a final adventure, says Gaius. And I thought, why not a trip to Waitpinga?

I thought you said Sweezus was coming? says Arthur.

He'll be meeting us later, says Gaius. Vello wants him to do something first.

Where's all your stuff? asks Terence.

In my pockets, says Arthur.

I don't suppose you've brought a thermometer? says Gaius.

No, says Arthur. Only a knife.

Let's hope we have no need of a knife, says Gaius.

The bus has continued meanwhile, and is now crossing King William Street.

We get off here, says Gaius, and catch the 265 to Marion.

Okay, says Arthur. Then what?

The bus to Victor Harbor, says Gaius. 

We could have cycled straight to Waitpinga, says Arthur.

Now you tell me, says Gaius. Are your legs feeling better?

His legs. 

Arthur had forgotten.

As they stand up to get off the bus he twists to look at his scabs.

 They cross the road to the D2 bus stop, to wait for the 265.

They stand, waiting.

Suddenly: Wah! cries Terence.

What is it? asks Gaius. 

I left Gloopy on the bus! wails Terence.

Arthur looks at Gaius.

What a disaster, says Gaius. I suppose the driver will find him.

What was he in? asks Arthur.

 A paper bag, says Terence.

They'll probably drop him into a bin, says Gaius. A problem will only arise if someone looks into the paper bag and identifies the contents.

An endangered maugean skate, says Arthur. Who'd identify it?

You never know, says Gaius. They've been in the news lately.

The 265 bus rolls up, and they get on, preoccupied, each in his own way, with this problem.