I'm The Philosopher

Terence runs ahead. 

He is platypus-spotting.

He sees a sign with a P, followed by some other letters.

The sign points to a trail. 

Terence thinks about waiting for Surfing-with-Whales before starting out on it.

But why should he? 

Surfing-with-Whales can read, and will know where Terence is going.

Terence sets off up the trail.

What is holding Surfing-with-Whales up, we might wonder?

Could it be his foot, which is hurting again, since the reiki scabs have rubbed off after putting his shoes on?

Or perhaps he has spotted a platypus.

Terence continues up the trail on his own.

Up and up. 

He wonders to himself what a platypus looks like.

He should have asked Gaius. Too late now.

He hears the sound of rushing water.

He sees an old man, standing at the side of the trail.

The old man is tall and thin, with white hair and a bushy white beard like a grandpa.

Hello, young fellow, says the old man.

Hello, says Terence. Are you looking for a platypus?

No, says the old man. Are you?

Yes, says Terence. Do you know what they look like?

Yes, says the old man. Do you?

No, says Terence.

Then, says the old man, how will you know when you see one?

 I'll ask it, says Terence.

And you expect it to answer? says the old man. It may remain silent. 

Terence can't believe that would happen.

I know this trail goes to where they are, says Terence. 

How do you know that? asks the old man.

I saw the P sign, says Terence.

Philosopher Falls, says the old man. That's what that sign is for.

How do you know? asks Terence.

I'm the Philosopher the falls are named after, says the old man.

Like Vello and David, says Terence.

Who are they? asks the old man.

What you said, says Terence. Famous ones. Are you famous?

Only hereabouts, says the old man. 

Okay, says Terence. I have to keep looking for a platypus. 

Do you want me to tell you what they look like? asks the old philosopher.

Okay, says Terence.

About this size, says the philosopher. And furry. With a duck bill and a beaver tail and otter feet. 

Yikes! says Terence. Is that one?

He points to a sleek brown creature moving back and forth in the creek at the side of the trail.