Percival had now got Bessie in the bush. Needless to say, with his sheltered life, this was a new experience for him. At first, it was rather novel and exciting. Even romantic perhaps. He quickly kissed Bessie on the snout and declared his undying love for her. He painted a picture of a romantic future for them both. They could now choose any future they wanted. They could become rich merchants. They could become rulers of a state. They could become highway bandits or sea pirates. Robbing the poor to give to the rich. Or, was it supposed to be the other way around? Anyway, it did not matter, as long as thet could wear dramatic costumes that would show off their bravado and gallantry to all. And, Bessie would be queen of all.
Queen Bessie, of all the Pigs in the world. The Whole wide world.
All of this greatly excited and alarmed Bessie. Was this the same Percival that she had known since she was a piglet? Gentle Percival? Steady Percval? The same Percival who was so soft, so nice but so boring?
Well, all this seem to have changed and, she was not sure why.
Anyway, Percival soon felt the need to leave the bush. First, the initial, novel experience was wearing off. The bush was beginning to prick and, he though that the life of a pirate may not be that good a prospect after all. Moreover, he was beginning to feel the dirt and the smell. He badly wanted a hot bath and, a nice dinner. A great dinner. Was this the end of the New Percival. Well, yes and no, as we shall see..
After all, how long does it take for us to change our true nature? An eternity? The question was, had Percival, after his toss in the muddy water, discovered his true nature? Maybe not, but, he was soon about to find out that circumstances would not allow him to remain the pig of his piglet and teen pig years.
Also, there was a more pressing need to leave the bush. He could hear Basil and Thyme yelling in the near distance and, he knew or, fancied, that Basil might have guns, And, the thought of guns made his blood run cold. Imagine his beautiful pink skin with scars? That would never do.
So, cautiously, very cautiously, he poked his head out. He loked around and, with his paw over Bessie's snossut, he pulled her out. He slowly crawled to the wall and, climbed over. After pushing Bessie over, of course. His own attempts to climb over were noisy and clumsy and, he attracted the attention of a couple of passers by who were alarmed to see a mud spattered pig climbing over the wall with Bessie. His torn clothes and, muddy complexion, in the dim street light made him seem very very frightening. The very apparition of The Great Black Hog or, BlackHog (or, The GreatBlack) as, the devil of the pigs was called.
They sqealed and squealed. Percival, with a great roar,jumped at them and covered their mouths. Did'nt I say that circumstances would force him to change his nature?
But, the damage was done. Basil knew where they were. And, Pecival darted down the street with Basil in pusuit..