The Over-Abundance

By the time they reach Yellingbo, it's late afternoon.

Ranger Roger is waiting, at the Yellingbo Central Store.

Did you return Banjo? asks Gaius.

Yes, says Ranger Roger. His parents were happy to see him.

Good, says Gaius. 

But not so happy about the secret, says Ranger Roger.

He told them! says Terence. 

Yes he told them, says Ranger Roger. Now they're confused.

Too many names, says Pierre-Louis. 

Something like that, says Ranger Roger. Have you brought Easter Morning?

He's in the carriage, says Terence. Watching his movie.

Tch! says Ranger Roger. 

What? asksTerence.

More outside influences, says Ranger Roger.

We try not to introduce outside influences, in the course of our research, says Gaius.

You need to try harder, says Ranger Roger. But never mind. Leave Easter Morning with me, and I'll return him to his natural habitat. I'll be fast. Then I'll meet you in Lilydale.

Easter Morning has jumped out of the carriage.

I'll go by myself, says Easter Morning.

No you won't, says Ranger Roger. You might lose your way.

Skinks can't lose their way, says Easter Morning.

But Ranger Roger scoops up Easter Morning and cycles off with him under his jacket.

Wah! says Terence. He's a really mean Ranger.

He does seem like a man in a hurry, says Gaius.

How did he know we were going to Lilydale? asks Pierre-Louis.

Our hired bikes and carriage, says Gaius. He knows we'll have to return them.

And why is he comng? asks Pierre-Louis.

Beats me, says Gaius. Unless he wants to be certain we leave.

And take Squattu with us, says Pierre-Louis. He may want to be sure about that.

True, says Gaius. Well, since we're here, how about an early dinner?

Good idea, says Pierre-Louis. Coming Terence?

I'll tell Squatty, says Terence.

Gaius orders two loaded hot dogs, and two coffees. 

In addition, he buys a bag of green apples.

Good thinking, says Pierre-Louis. By the way, any symptoms?

Of what? asks Gaius. 

Bat virus, says Pierre-Louis. Remember you ate that nibbled apple?

No, nothing, says Gaius. But I suppose I should have a checkup when we get back to Melbourne.

Terence and Squattu come in. 

What am I having? asks Terence.

You enjoyed that strawberry milkshake last time, says Gaius.

But Terence remembers the trouble with the pink thing, and what it did to Easter Morning, his friend, and the sticky patch on the blanket, and settles for a Ribena.

Squattu eyes the new bag of apples.