208 DAHLAK 



'Where's the washing come from?' said Cecco. Flags do 

 not impress him. 



We drew alongside the Formica with our boat. As usual, we 

 had to take on replacements of food and water and all other 

 necessities (cigarettes, formalin, spare harpoons, air for the 

 respirators, etc.) not to mention the post from home. In 

 addition we had to consign to the Formica two chests full of 

 animals, and various phials containing micro-organisms 

 collected from the sea, the pool and the grottoes. Cecco and 

 I were in working slips, that is to say, practically naked. We 

 were also rather dirty, with a two or three days' growth on 

 the chin and we were shouting our marine greetings and 

 orders for this and that like ruffians. On the Formica there 

 was an unusual silence. Bruno's face appeared over the 

 ship's side: Tor heaven's sake be quiet, the Viceroy's on 

 board!' Cecco and I looked at each other. 



*So what ?' said Cecco. 



*You could look a little more respectable, couldn't you? 

 How can I present you as the scientific research side ? We've 

 come specially to show you at work.' 



*You won't take him to the camp, will you?' 



'I'll have to, of course.' 



Cecco and I turned pale. Then Cecco became diplomatic 

 and smiled. 



*No, Bruno, look, I think it would be inadvisable . . . the 

 camp isn't really in order. . . .' 



Tm sure it isn't, looking at you lot.' 



Cecco was offended. 



Td like to put you on this dump of an island for two days 

 and then see if your face was well shaved. Do you realize 

 that we haven't even got any soap ?' 



*But I gave you a new piece last time, didn't I ?' 



*The Sioux whipped it.' 



