Tech-Savvy Frog

Well, dear, says Katherine, I think Gaius is waiting to talk you you.

I know, says the Kroombit tinker. But I promised to talk to the pobblebonk.

And then you must have a heart to heart talk with Greedy, says Katherine. What a night for you!

It's a better night than most I've had here, says the Kroombit tinker.

Gaius pokes his head into Katherine's tent.

Finished your chat with the tinker? asks Gaius.

Yes, says Katherine. Is that pobblebonk still here?

Terence is saving it, says Gaius. It's in his tent at the moment.

I thought I could hear it, says Katherine.

Do you want me to speak to it? asks the Kroombit tinker.

Later, says Gaius. Will you come to my tent now?

Sure, says the Kroombit tinker.

She follows Gaius to his tent.

Gaius takes out his notebook and ....drat! where is his pencil?

What's the trouble? asks the Kroombit tinker.

Why is there never a pencil when you need it? says Gaius.

Use your phone, says the Kroombit tinker.

What for? asks Gaius. To ring up Officeworks and order a pencil?

You are funny, laughs the Kroombit tinker. I mean make a video of the interview. You won't need a pencil.

Well! says Gaius. I had not expected a Kroombit tinker to be so tech-savvy.

You forget, I was brought up in captivity, says the tinker. I learned all sorts of things.

Of course, such as reading, says Gaius. Simone de Beauvoir, no less.

Switch it on, and let's get started, says the Kroombit tinker.

Right, says Gaius. Let's hope I'm not low on battery.

Is he? No he isn't.

He presses a few buttoms, ending on the red one, for a video.

Eighth of May, says Gaius. Interview with a female Kroombit tinker. Question one, how long have you been here?

Tink tink! says the Kroombit tinker.