Page 211 - The Grotesque Children's Book

Chapter 21.

Stand back and observe

(The imaginary scene in front of the foot-stove rumbles back into view. The young deaf painter
sits again with his mysterious folio, chatting with the none-so-bright Half-Wit Tozzo Scatenarsi.
Aurelio has become not a little bleary-eyed reading the folio, and has poured imaginary drinks
for his companion and himself, just trying to make sense of the story about the Gold Demon. But
when he comes to the word “stipulate”, the young painter’s head clears and he sits bolt upright.)

Aurelio: “Stipulate your answer,” it said.

Tozzo: It did?

Aurelio: Yes. Each of the children were supposed to stipulate for themselves. Not declare,
not guess. Stipulate.

Tozzo: So?

Aurelio: Kind of an odd word, isn’t it?

Tozzo: Kind of an odd story, if you ask me.

Aurelio: I mean, it’s not really the right word.

Tozzo: Isn’t it? I don’t think I’ve heard the word before. And while you’re explaining,
would you pass the tankard?

Aurelio: “Stipulate” is what the oldest child is supposed to do before a magistrate in order to
qualify to inherit the family estate. It’s what I can’t do, because I’m mute. And
you already have a tankard. I poured you one.

Tozzo: No you didn’t. We’re sharing just the one tankard. Like we’re sharing the same
thoughts.

Aurelio: I’m not sure we’re sharing the same thoughts. I think I’m doing all the thinking.

Tozzo: Fine with me. Just pass the tankard.

Aurelio: No, Tozzo, listen to me. No one would use that word, stipulate, except me.

Tozzo: So, therefore, you’re deducing that you wrote the story.

Aurelio: (exasperated) No! If that story about the horses weren’t evidence enough, here’s
proof positive that that Santi wrote these stories for me, and me alone. Well, us. If

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