atw: Dorothy in the Land of Oz: 3. Into the subculturean

THE STORY SO FAR ...
The Pushme-Pullum survives a fall to find an alternative route from the ledge. 


NOW READ ON ...
'Terribly sorry,' the Author ripped off, hurrying behind the scenes, 'I was delayed on the terrain.'
The little party set off into the cavern, led by Patoto and, close behind, Dorothy with the knapsack. The Pushme-Pullum followed [The little party had been fro]with Pullum in the rearguard. Pullum thought 'It's a bugger walking backwards but if we meet danger, I am well-placed to run back forwards to the entrance.'
The daylight penetrated only a little way into the cavern and all too soon they could scarce see the tracks in the sand. They stopped in the gloom to consider what to do, when Dorothy suddenly[zen in a time stasis during t] swung the knapsack around, plunged in her hand, and withdrew a battered old book, sans boards, spine broken, tails of its cords frayed. On the torn and dirty title page Patoto could just make out the words /Encyclopédie, ou dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers, par une socie`té de gens de lettres/.
'Diderot?' ventured Pullum. 'I did not!' Patoto indignanted retortly, then continued, 'If you burn it, Dorothy, won't we be in the same boat when all the pages are gone?' 

'Just watch,' Dorothy illuminated presciently.
Almost imperceptibly their surrounds became more distinct, the lichen on damp walls discernible and, soon, they could see each others' faces ever more clearly as the Enlightenment spread. Pushme shuffled sheepishly, as much as a half-llama [he Author's extended absence ]could but Pullum crossed its legs and adopted an exaggeratedly nonchalant air. The source of enlightenment was nowhere but everywhere, the ancient volume no brighter than any other object, although without doubt the centre of the gradually materialising scene.
'D'Alembert?' proffered Pullum. 'Don't mind if I do,' gratefulled Patoto, 'so much nicer than Camembert.'
The enlightenment spread only slowly before them as little creatures of the dark -- journalists, politicians, university lecturers, radio comperes -- darted hither and thither, startled by the unwonted approaching encroachment. Suiting their gait to the slowly advancing visibility, the members of the party strolled along the well-trodden path in silence. Presently Dorothy said, 'What about another song?[and had no idea that they had] Patoto has already sung a lullaby, so it's your turn Pushme or Pullum.'
'Oh, we know lots of songs,' the Pushme-Pullum repertoired. And the Pullum launched into song, quickly accompanied by the Pushme: 

    Picture us upon our knees.
    Just tea for two
    And two for tea;
    All for one
    And free for all.

    We will raise a family --
    One end for you,
    The other for me --
    Can't you see how
    Happy we shall be?
A large tear rolled down Pushme's cheek. 'O Pullum, will we ever have an offsprout?'
Patoto had often wondered if, because the Pushme-Pullum was [ been set in motion once more]composed of two front ends of llamas, whether it had any internal sexual organs despite the lack of external indications. Suddenly a thought occurred to Patoto which would have profound theological repercussions if it could be true. 

TO BE CONTINUED ...

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Hedley Finger

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