There's a reward, says Terence.
What's the reward? asks the slender-billed thornbill.
You get a wish, says Terence.
Maybe I did see Roo-kai, says the slender-billed thornbill.
Ask it when, says Camus.
When? asks Terence.
Ask it now, says Camus.
I think he meant ask ME when, says the slender-billed thornbill.
When? asks Terence.
A few gulls ago, says the slender-billed thornbill.
What does that mean? asks Terence.
Six gulls flew by after him, says the slender-billed thornbill.
Terence is alarmed.
Why were they after him? asks Terence.
I don't think they were after him, says the slender-billed thornbill.
But you said, says Terence.
After has more than one meaning, says Camus.
So does when, says the slender-billed thornbill.
I don't think so, says Camus. When always means when.
Do I get my reward now? asks the slender-billed thornbill.
No, says Terence. You haven't proved anything. What did he look like?
For example, what colour were his legs? asks Camus.
They were kind of tucked in, says the slender-billed thornbill.
Feathers? asks Camus.
Yes, he had feathers, says the slender-billed thornbill.
Was he black and white with an orange beak? asks Terence.
Bingo! says the slender-billed thornbill.
That sounds like him, says Camus. Which way was he going?
We already know that, says Terence. Back to us.
Then he's missed you, says the slender-billed thornbill. Did he know you were driving around in a police car?
Noo! wails Terence. We have to go back to where Roo-kai is going.
Not immediately, says Camus. Gaius and Victor are there. Roo-kai will find them.
That's that then, says the slender-billed thornbill. Hope I was helpful. Do I get my reward now?
Okay. What is your wish? asks Terence.
Never to be hungry again, says the slender-billed thornbill.
That could go wrong, says Terence.
Yes, says Camus. Think. You could die on the spot.
How about perfect balance? suggests Terence.
The slender-billed thornbill is tempted.
Perfect balance.
Nothing could go wrong with that.
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