Master of the Bay

The natives say there is a monster in the bay—one that can’t be shot and can’t be caught in a net, and that feeds on enormous sharks…

“It’s everything, and it’s nothing. Now it is there, and now it’s gone.”

…No, monsieur, it wasn’t a plesiosaur. And it wasn’t one of those giant reptiles people now talk about as if they were still living in the swamps of Central Africa. It was a completely special animal… If you’re really interested, I’ll tell you how we met. Your plane is delayed by an hour, mine by an hour and a half. Just now they announced it on the radio. I think it’s better to sit here in the restaurant than to bake in the sun. And I especially want to consult with you after I found out that monsieur is a biologist by profession… No, no, it wasn’t a mollusk either…

So, monsieur—your health—and I begin my story. Forgive me, though… What order does monsieur have pinned to his lapel? The Order of the Patriotic War? Then monsieur is a veteran of the war. If you’ll allow it, then here’s another small drink for your order and for our valiant allies… What do you say?.. Ah, a medal! Indeed, I was part of the Resistance and received a medal when I was in the maquis… Thank you, thank you…