They've Got Venom

Yes, it is a platypus, says the Philosopher. You spotted it.

My job is done, says Terence.

He turns to go back down the track.

Surfing-with-Whales is walking up it.

I spotted one! shouts Terence.

A growling noise comes from behind him

Terence turns again.

It wasn't me, says the Philosopher. 

Surfing-with-Whales is now here.

G'day, says Surfing-with-Whales to the Philosopher.

Good day to you, says the Philosopher.

I see you've already met Terence, says Surfing-with-Whales.

So it would seem, says the Philosopher. But I didn't know his name was Terence.

It was, says Terence.

And still is, I presume, says the Philosopher.

Terence ignores this ridiculous statement.

Look! says Terence, pointing to the creek where the platypus is sporting.

Or was.

It is now glaring at the intruders and growling.

They do that, says the Philosopher. Time to move on. They have venom.

Shit! says Surfing-with-Whales. I wanted to get a photo.

What's venom? asks Terence.

Poison, says Surfing-with-Whales. And it doesn't look friendly.

Terence walks across to the creek bank.

The platypus growls.

Where's your venom? asks Terence.

In my back foot, growls the platypus.

Can I see it? asks Terence.

The platypus turns and shows Terence its poisonous spur.

Same! says Terence, showing the platypus his claw. 

Is yours poisonous? asks the platypus.

No, says Terence. That would be stupid. 

Why? asks the platypus. 

Every time I ate something I'd die, says Terence. 

You don't look like someone who would die, says the platypus.

I'm not, says Terence. Okay. But I might give someone something and they might die accidentally.

At least my venom's in my foot, says the platypus. No chance of me dying accidentally.

That's good, says Terence. Are we friends now?

I suppose so, says the platypus.

Let's have a photo together! says Terence.

He steps carefully into the water.

Surfing-with-Whales takes a photo. 

That should be a fine one, says the Philosopher. 

Yeah, says Surfing-with-Whales. Well, we'd better head back to our campsite. 

Not going up to look at my falls? asks the Philosopher.

Your falls? asks Surfing-with-Whales. Are you the Philosopher they're named after?

James 'Philosopher' Smith at your service, says James 'Philosopher' Smith.

Cool! says Surfing-with-Whales. Yeah well, maybe after supper. Wanna come back with us? We've got cheese.

Only cheese? 

Nevertheless, James 'Philosopher' Smith accepts the invitation.