Dead The Second Time

Plop! Prawny falls into the water.

Action, bell frogs, says Gaius.

Look! says the one who didn't eat Prawny. Prawny fell in!

To the rescue! says the neighbour.

They both dive in.

This is good! says Terence.

The bell frogs swim down towards Prawny, who has sunk to the bottom.

They grab one end each and swim up.

They break the surface.

They drag Prawny onto the grass.

Should we pump him? asks the neighbour.

We should, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

They take turns pumping Prawny, but this time no water comes out.

He seems to have died, says the neighbour. 

Yes, says the one who didn't eat Prawny. We should cover him with grass.

We should, says the neighbour. And here is a pile of grass stalks stacked up and ready.

Won't that look somewhat strange? asks Katherine. A pile of grass ready.

Yes! says Terence. It'll look like they knew what would happen.

Fine, says the neighbour. We'll pick new grass stalks.

And Gaius will have to edit the video, says Katherine.

Perhaps, says Gaius. 

Don't you know how? asks Katherine.

I'm sure I can learn, says Gaius. 

The bell frogs are picking new grass stalks to cover dead Prawny.

They have done it. 

They cover him up.

Now, says Terence. Someone should say a poem about Prawny.

It should be you, says Katherine. 

Okay, says Terence. A prawn has died/ He was going to be a parrot/ He even had wings/ Everything went well until the black hole/ His tail came off in it/

Stop! says the one who didn't eat Prawny. Do we get a mention?

How? asks Terence.

Finding his tail, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

Twice, says the neighbour.

And rescuing him, says the one who didn't eat Prawny. 

Twice, says the neighbour.

Once, says Terence. He was dead the second time.

I assume he was also dead the first time, says Gaius.

He was, says the neighbour.

Anyway, says Terence. My poem's not finished. But I'm trying to leave you two out.

Perhaps the bell frogs could compose their own poem for Prawny, says Katherine.

Yes. This suits them fine.

In A Way Free

Where's Prawny? asks Terence.

Under this grass, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

Come out Prawny! says Terence. You're free.

He is, in a way, free, says the neighbour. That's a nice way to put it.

Prawny has not come out from under the grass stalks.

Terence steps forward.

Prawny! says Terence.

We may as well tell you, says the one who didn't eat Prawny. Prawny has died.

Bumhole! says Terence.

He looks at Katherine.

It doesn't matter, says Katherine.

That is somewhat cruel, Katherine, says Gaius.

I meant the word bumhole, says Katherine. Not the fact Prawny has died.

Katherine said I wasn't allowed to say it, says Terence.

And you haven't until now, says Gaius.

Now SHE'S said it, says Terence.

That is different, says Gaius. Katherine was quoting.

So was I, says Terence.

No, you weren't quoting, says Katherine. But you were expressing understandable sorrow.

At last! says the one who didn't eat Prawny. Would you like to know how he died?

Of course we would, says Gaius.

He felt hot, says the neighbour. And he dived in, and sank to the bottom.

I suppose you tried to rescue him, says Katherine.

A slight hesitation.

then...

Yes, says the neighbour.

But we were too late, says the one who didn't eat Prawny. So we pulled him out anyway, and covered him with grass.

Terence moves a few grass stalks.

Yes, it is Prawny.

No chance now of becoming a parrot.

We wondered if you'd make a video of us rescuing Prawny, says the neighbour.

Retrieving Prawny, you mean, says Gaius.

Well, yes, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

You'd have to drop Prawny back in, says Terence. 

We know, says the neighbour. That's why we're asking politely.

It should be up to Terence, says Katherine. It's his prawn.

Okay, says Terence. Prawny will like it.

Would have liked it, says Gaius.

When? asks Terence.

When he was living, says Gaius. On second thoughts maybe he wouldn't.

But he would NOW, says Terence.

Very well, says Gaius, taking out his phone. Who's going to throw Prawny back into the water?

Me, says Terence. But I'm not throwing. That's how everything went wrong in the first place.

What then? asks Gaius.

Terence flicks  more grass off Prawny, and rolls him to the edge of the pond with his foot.

Only Parts

Gaius and Margaret have had two cups of tea.

The frozen prawn has partly defrosted.

Can we go now? asks Terence.

Yes, says Gaius.

I'd like to come with you, says Katherine.

So would I, says Minnie. But I need to buy things for dinner. What would everyone like?

Tomato sauce, says Terence. And a red smoothie.

For me, anything without tomatoes, says Gaius.

Anything at all, says Katherine.

You, Margaret? asks Minnie.

Baked beans, says Margaret.

For goodness sake, says Minnie. We can do better than that. Why don't you come shopping with me?

Yes, why don't you, says Gaius.

All right, says Margaret.

Are we going now? asks Terence.

Yes, says Gaius, heading for the front door.

Don't forget the reward prawn, says Katherine.

Would you like something to put it in? asks Minnie.

More time is wasted, while Minnie looks for a small plastic container.

And more time, while she looks for a lid.

At last Gaius, Terence and Katherine are ready to go to Mawson Ponds.

Gaius leads the way on Minnie's bike.

Katherine cycles behind him on Minnie's second bike, the one Margaret used.

Terence is in the front basket.

This is fun, says Katherine. We're going to pay the ransom for a hostage.

Prawny wanted to be a hostage, says Terence.

That was brave of Prawny, says Katherine.

Yes, says Terence. Prawny is good. When he got his tail back the first time there was no video, and the frogs wanted one so they could be famous, so Prawny threw his tail back in. 

Meaning the video is fake, says Katherine.

No, says Terence. They really found it.

But it wasn't lost, says Katherine.

It could have been, says Terence. 

But it didn't need to have been, says Katherine.

When? asks Terence.

Fortunately, Katherine does not need to answer, because they are there.

Here we are, says Gaius. Leave the bikes, and we'll walk to the sauna.

Prawny will be happy! says Terence. 

So will the frogs, says Gaius.

But alas! the two bell frogs look anything but happy.

More like lugubrious.

A heap of grass stalks lies between them

covering something

 of which

can be seen 

only parts.

Beyond Impatient

It's a beautiful glass leaf, says Margaret.

And each one is different, says Katherine.

Yes, says Minnie. Katherine paid quite a bit for it.

I did, says Katherine. I must take care not to drop it.

You said it was for the fallen, says Terence. 

Indeed, says Gaius. There is something off with the concept.

I thought you once served as a soldier, says Katherine.

Long ago, says Gaius. In Germania. As a military tribune.

Woo! says Terence. Did you have a horse?

No, says Gaius.

I bet you did, says Terence. 

I didn't, says Gaius. Now, to more important things. Minnie do you by any chance keep frozen prawns in your freezer?

I may have a few, says Minnie. Are you thinking of replacing Prawny? Where is he?

Prawny remained at Mawson Ponds as a hostage, says Margaret.

Goodness me! says Minnie. 

What has happened? asks Katherine.

A long story, says Gaius. Prawny lost his tail in one of the brick holes that serve as a frog sauna. The tail fell into the pond and was retrieved by two bell frogs.

Gaius made a video, says Terence. 

Would you like to see it? asks Gaius.

Yes, says Katherine. 

Gaius takes out his phone and shows Katherine and Minnie the video.

What sweet frogs, says Minnie. I do like their speeches.

The video doesn't explain why Prawny remained as a hostage, says Katherine.

Ah, says Gaius. Terence promised them a reward.

Not another prawn surely! says Katherine.

Yes and no, says Gaius. 

They wanted to eat Prawny then they didn't, says Terence. Then Margaret went to buy a reward prawn. But a damselfly ate it. And now we need a new one.

In other words, another of your increasingly complex interventions, says Katherine.

Unusual things do tend to happen, says Gaius. But this can be easily sorted.

I'll see if I do have a prawn, says Minnie. I may well have. I like them with noodles.

She opens her freezer, and yes! There are several frozen prawns in a packet.

We just need one, says Terence. Now we can give the frogs their reward and get Prawny back.

Excellent, says Gaius. We'll go there at once,

Have a cup of tea first, says Minnie. 

Thank you, says Gaius.

So they stop for a cup of tea first.

Terence imagines Prawny becoming impatient.

But Prawny, as we know, is beyond that.

For The Fallen

That was good, says the neighbour, having swallowed his damselfly.

I know, says the one that didn't eat Prawny. 

And appropriate, too, says the neighbour.

I suppose so, says the one who didn't eat Prawny. Damselflies were to be our reward.

But the humans couldn't catch them, says the neighbour. Then Prawny stayed with us and helped us to catch them.

But only because he was dead, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

A sad complication, says the neighbour.

What will happen when the humans come back? asks the one who didn't eat Prawny.

They'll bring us a cooked prawn, says the neighbour.

As a reward for retrieving Prawny's tail, says the one who didn't eat him.

So what's the problem, asks the neighbour. We did that.

Twice, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

So we'll still deserve the cooked prawn, says the neighbour.

But we'll have to explain the dead Prawny, says the one who didn't eat him.

Let's cover him with something, says the neighbour. So it looks like we're sorry.

Good plan, says the one who didn't eat Prawny. Pebbles or grass?

They decide on grass, and set about picking.

.......

Meanwhile Gaius, Margaret and Terence have arrived back at Minnie's.

Minnie and Katherine are there, drinking tea.

Back already? says Minnie.

How was the War Memorial? asks Margaret.

Same as ever, says Minnie. 

Did you enjoy it, Katherine? asks Margaret.

The gift shop was nice, says Katherine. Poppies on everything. Tea towels, coffee mugs. And look what I bought.

She shows them a small  box.

What's in it? asks Terence.

A glass leaf, says Katherine. Take the lid off. Be careful.

I'm always careful, says Terence.

A leaf, says Margaret. Does it represent something?

For the fallen, says Katherine.

Is it intended to be amusing? asks Gaius.

The women look at him crossly.

No it's not.

This One Is Yours

What if he dies? asks the neighbour.

I don't think a cooked prawn can die, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

Probably not, says the neighbour.

Do we risk it? asks the one who didn't eat Prawny.

It wouldn't hurt to dive in and check on him, says the neighbour.

Shall we both go? asks the one who didn't eat Prawny.

Okay, says the neighbour.

They dive into the mildly salty water.

And down towards Prawny.

It's not far.

The neighbour pokes Prawny, who is unresponsive.

The two bell frogs look at one another.

Prawny has died!

They lift him, and swim with him up to the surface.

They drag him to shore.

Now what? asks the neighbour.

Perhaps he'll come good, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

Should we pump him? asks the neighbour.

They agree they should try.

The neighbour presses down on Prawny's soft parts.

Pump! Pump!

Spuuurt! A thin jet of water comes out.

That's promising, says the neighbour.

They wait to see if will Prawny will cough and splutter and say something.

Prawny doesn't.

Are we going to get blamed for this? asks the neighbour.

Prawny used his own muscles, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

Yeah, and it was his decision to jump in, says the neighbour.

They agree that Prawny's death is not their fault.

A damselfly zooms in and hovers over Prawny.

The neighbour makes a quick move.

Snap!

No more damselfly.

You might have shared it! says the one that didn't eat Prawny.

Here comes another one, says the neighbour. 

This one is yours!

Flexing His Middle

Prawny is warm in his hole.

Phew! says Prawny.

Are you okay? asks the neighbour.

A bit warm, says Prawny. That's all.

We like it, says the bell frog that didn't eat him.

Yes we like it, says the neighbour.

Maybe it's because I've been cooked once before, says Prawny. I don't like too much heat.

Do you remember being cooked? asks the neighbour.

Not really, says Prawny. I suppose I was trying to ignore it.

That's what I'd do, says the neighbour.

No way! says the one who didn't eat Prawny. I'd have tried to escape.

Maybe I tried, says Prawny. And then I gave up. I remember hotness, and waking up inside spun potato.

What was that like? asks the neighbour.

Soft, says Prawny.

White or yellow? asks the neighbour.

I couldn't see anything, says Prawny. 

How come? asks the one who didn't eat him.

No eyes, says Prawny. And then I met Terence and I got one.

Lucky, says the neighbour.

Prawny is feeling even hotter.

Phew! says Prawny, again.

Go further into the hole, says the neighbour.

No, says Prawny. I need to jump into the water, to cool down.

Go on then, says the one who didn't eat him.

Can't, says Prawny.

Come on, you're right at the edge of the hole, says the neighbour.  Haven't you got any muscles?

I don't think so, says Prawny.

He tries flexing his middle.

Squurreee!

And it works! 

Prawny drops into the water.

Better? asks the neighbour.

No reply comes from Prawny.

Should we rescue him? asks the one who didn't eat him.

Yes, says the neighbour. We should. Before a damselfly swoops in and takes him.

It would be good if us rescuing him was on TikTok, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

So we wait? asks the neighbour.

They peer down at Prawny, who has already sunk to the bottom. 

Time to make a decision.

Ooh Bad Memories

Now for our reward, says the bell frog that didn't eat Prawny.

But the damselfly ate it, says Terence.

So get us another one, says the neighbour.

We shall do that, says Gaius. But in order to obtain a cooked prawn we must leave you.

Can we trust you? asks the one who didn't eat Prawny.

Certainly, says Gaius.

I'll stay here with the frogs till you come back, says Prawny.

That is noble of you, says the one who didn't eat him.

Thank you, says Prawny. 

You can wait in one of our brick holes, says the neighbour. The one next to mine.

Ooh. Bad memories, says Prawny.

Better than sitting on the bank like a sitting duck, says the neighbour.

Yes, says Gaius. Those damselflies are a danger.

Okay, says Prawny. I'll wait in a hole.

The holes are good if you're facing outwards, says the one who didn't eat him.

I'll try it, says Prawny.

Wonderful, says Gaius, placing Prawny in a hole facing outwards.

It is quite nice, says Prawny.

Now we'll leave you, says Gaius, but we'll return later today.

With our reward, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

And proof that we're famous, says the neighbour.

Hum, says Gaius. That may take a bit longer.

Post the video on TikTok, says Margaret.

Oh yes, TikTok, says Gaius. That will do it.

Bye, Prawny, says Terence. 

Bye, says Prawny.

Gaius, Margaret and Terence head for the bikes.

I wonder if Minnie has any frozen prawns in her freezer, says Margaret.

Perhaps we should ask her, says Gaius. I understand you might feel a little foolish going into Woolworths and asking for one cooked prawn when half an hour earlier you had made an identical purchase.

Yes Gaius, says Margaret. But you could do it.

It would still seem odd, says Gaius.

I could, says Terence.

He imagines himself doing it.

One cooked prawn please!

Even odder, says Gaius.

So it is decided.

They will go back to Minnie's and check out her freezer.

Only Once

Now what? ask the bell frogs.

Ask for something else, says Terence.

Not yet, says Gaius. Wait until I've filmed the return of the tail.

Yes, says Prawny. I haven't got it back yet.

Maybe you won't get it back, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

Then you won't be famous, says Terence.

He's right, says the neighbour. What were you thinking? That we'd keep it?

It's our insurance, says the one that didn't eat Prawny.

It's my tail, says Prawny.

Yes, says Margaret. It's his tail. Get yourselves organised. We don't have all day.

Okay, say the bell frogs.

I'll hold Prawny up, says Terence.

No, hold him down, says the neighbour.

We're not jumping up with his tail, says the one who didn't eat Prawny. 

So Terence holds Prawny in a lower position, close to the water.

We'll hop out of the water with the tail, says the neighbour.

And make speeches, says Terence.

Speeches? says Gaius.

Yes, and Prawny will make a speech too, says Terence.

Very well, says Gaius. Has everyone thought of their speech?

No one has, because Terence has only just thought of it.

I'll just say thank you, says Prawny.

Short but polite, says Gaius. I like that.

Thank you, says Prawny.

Not yet! says Terence. Wait till they give you your tail.

It wasn't that thank you, says Prawny.

They have to go first, says Terence.

Ready, bell frogs? asks Gaius.

They are ready.

Gaius starts filming.

The bell frogs hop out of the water, each holding a side of the tail.

A short silence.

Then...

Here is your lost item, says the one who didn't eat Prawny. Take better care of it next time.

Yeah, says the neighbour.

Thank you, says Prawny.

Terence takes the tail from the bell frogs.

Thank you, says Terence. We'll stick it back on him with fish glue.

What is fish glue? asks the one who didn't eat Prawny.

An ancient Roman glue, says Gaius. 

Can you eat it? asks the neighbour.

Only once, says Gaius. 

That's Nature For You

Prawny's tail gleams under the water.

The two green and golden bell frogs swim towards it from opposite sides.

They each grab a uropod and swim up to the surface, emerging with the tail held up between them.

We found it! cry the bell frogs.

Yay! says Terence. You'll be famous!

Can we see the video? asks the bell frog that didn't eat Prawny.

Gaius shows them the video.

Would you like me to film you giving it back to Prawny? asks Gaius. It would be a nice touch.

Okay, says the one that didn't eat Prawny.

Okay, says the neighbour.

Where will I be? asks Prawny.

Up to you, says Gaius. Terence could prop you up next to the sauna.

But how would I receive it? asks Prawny.

Yes how? asks Terence. Prawny hasn't got hands.

True, says Gaius. Perhaps you should receive the tail on Prawny's behalf.

Then I'd look like a loser, says Prawny.

You are a loser, says Terence. But you won't be once you've got your tail back.

I'll still be a loser, says Prawny.

What's up with you? asks the bell frog who didn't eat Prawny.

I'm remembering my wings, says Prawny. I lost them, and all hopes of becoming a parrot.

You'll grow new ones, says the neighbour.

Unfortunately, he won't, says Gaius.

Nothing unfortunate about it, says Margaret. Prawny should look on the bright side.

There's a bright side? Prawny looks hopeful.

The bright side being Prawny is better off than the reward prawn, says Margaret.

Everyone looks at the reward prawn, who is waiting to be eaten at the bell frogs' discretion.

And then..

Down swoops a damselfly, snatching the reward prawn and flying away.

That was our reward! says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

They were both our rewards! cries the neighbour.

It's true. They had asked for a damselfly.

And now the damselfly has flown off with their second best option.

That's nature for you.

Willing To Part From His Tail

Are you going to eat it? asks Terence.

We might save it for later, says the bell frog that didn't eat Prawny.

It looks sad, says the neighbour.

It's a cooked one, says Margaret. How can it look sad?

I'm a cooked one, says Prawny.

And you never look sad, says Terence.

I can look sad, says Prawny, trying to look sad.

But it's doesn't make Prawny look all that different.

Do I look sad? he asks the bell frogs.

No, says the one that didn't eat him. If anything, you look glad.

And even if you didn't, you ought to, says the neighbour.

We found your tail for you, says the one that didn't eat him

Yes, says Terence. But only because Prawny let you. He'd found it already.

Okay, says the neighbour, How about the other thing?

Ah yes, says Gaius. Terence promised you'd be famous.

Did I? says Terence.

Yes, says the one that didn't eat Prawny We thought you could film us doing a reenactment.

Can we? asks Terence.

I don't see why not, says Gaius. If Prawny is willing to part from his tail for a third time.

As long as I get it back, says Prawny.

Gaius throws Prawny's tail into the pond and takes out his phone to record its recovery.

Action! says Gaius.

Wait, says the neighbour. There should be an introduction.

Yes there should, says Margaret. Otherwise we won't know what's going on.

Of course, says Gaius. Terence and Prawny, step forward.

Terence steps forward with Prawny.

Here we are at Mawson Ponds, says Gaius. We came to observe the progress of the green and golden bell frogs. But one of our party, in an excess of enthusiasm, launched himself into a hole occupied by one of the bell frogs, and lost his tail. Show them, Terence,

This is Prawny, our second main frog guy, says Terence, holding up Prawny.

Prawny tries to look like he imagines a second main frog guy who lost his tail in a freak accident would look.

And I would like it back, says Prawny.

There will be a reward, says Terence.

Excellent, says Gaius, pausing the filming. Bell frogs, are you ready?

The bell frogs are ready.

They dive into the pond.

Let us hope they have agreed beforehand who'll be the finder.

Tiny Black Eye

Terence is looking for crickets.

And not finding any.

Gaius is wafting Prawny's tail in the air.

The two bell frogs are watching.

No damselflies are so far attracted.

We'd do better to catch them ourselves, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

We can't catch our own reward, says the neighbour.

I guess not, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

A damselfly zooms past.

There's one ! says the neighbour.

I saw it, says Gaius. But it doesn't seem interested in the prawn tail.

They prefer living things, says the one that didn't eat Prawny.

Yeah, says the neighbour. Try the crickets. They'll eat anything.

Will they? asks the one who didn't eat Prawny.

Anything, says the neighbour. Decaying matter, dead insects. You name it.

That's disgusting. Forget the crickets, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

Terence! calls Gaius. Stop looking for crickets.

I've stopped, says Terence.

The damselfly zooms back and forth over the pond. 

Snaps up a mosquito. 

And zooms away.

You've got to be quick, says the neighbour.

So it would seem, says Gaius. Therefore I wonder if you would reconsider accepting the soft parts of a prawn.

No, we wouldn't, says the neighbour.

What if it isn't Prawny? asks Terence. 

Who is it? asks the one who didn't eat Prawny.

Another prawn, says Gaius. It should arrive soon. Our colleague has gone to get it.

Hmm, says the neighbour.

Hmm, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

Think about it, says Gaius. 

They're coming! cries Terence.

He has heard Margaret approaching.

Success! says Margaret, handing Prawny to Terence and a paper-wrapped object to Gaius.

Gaius unwraps the object, which is a cooked prawn with no head or tail, and one black eye dot.

Well done, says Gaius. It looks just like Prawny, however unneccesary that has become.

What are you talking about? says Margaret.

The bell frogs have thought better of consuming Prawny, says Gaius. They are now considering the merits or otherwise of eating the substitute prawn.

Let's see it, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

The two bell frogs look at the substitute prawn.

It looks back at them sadly.

A tear forms in its tiny black eye.

Don't Give It A Mouth

YOU'LL be the snack of their choice! says Terence.

Me? says Prawny. I'm what they get to eat, for finding my tail?

No, that won't happen, says Gaius. We'll see to it. 

Good, says Prawny, because where would my tail go?

Is that all you care about? asks Marggret.

It'll go back on you, because I have a plan, says Terence.

What's the plan? asks Prawny.

We give them another prawn, instead of you, says Terence.

What if they only want me? asks Prawny.

We'll make the other prawn look like you, says Terence.

Okay, says Prawny. 

Right, says Gaius. We must do things in order. First, ask the bell frogs if they've found the tail, and if they have, claim it back.

Shouldn't we have the replacement prawn ready? asks Margaret.

Good thinking, says Gaius. But we don't wan't the frogs thinking we've given up and gone home.

I'll go and tell them, says Terence.

You and I will go, says Gaius. Meanwhile, Margaret, if she's willing, can take Prawny to the shops, buy a prawn, and meet us back here.

I suppose I could, says Margaret. Do you want me to do the prawn up like Prawny?

That would be ideal, says Gaius. But don't spend too long. It's only going to be eaten.

Don't give it a mouth, says Terence.

Wise suggestion, says Gaius.

Margaret and Prawny go off to look for a shop.

Gaius and Terence make their way round the pond to the black brick sauna.

The two green and golden bell frogs are on the bank, waiting, with Prawny's tail.

We found it, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

We know, says Terence.

Now we'll be famous, says the neighbour.

And get the snack of our choice, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

Yes, about that, says Gaius.

We were going to ask for Prawny's soft parts, says the neighbour.

But we thought it through, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

And we'd rather have crickets or damselflies, says the neighbour.

I'm pleased to hear it, says Gaius.

So you need to get catching, says the neighbour.

Us? says Terence.

Who else? says Gaius. Terence, you look for crickets, and I'll try to catch a few damselflies. It would help if I had something with which to attract them.

Here, try this, says the one who didn't eat Prawny. 

He holds out the tail.

NOT A Good Deed

What happened? asks Terence.

I did a good deed, says Prawny.

Why? asks Terence.

Because I'm the second main frog guy, says Prawny

What was it? asks Gaius.

Stop asking questions and I'll tell you, says Prawny.

We're listening, says Margaret. It wasn't about the reward, was it?

No more questions, says Terence.

Sorry, says Margaret, but it's rather important.

He did say he didn't want to know, says Gaius.

Shut up everyone, says Terence.

At last they shut up. 

Prawny commences the tale of his tail.

Rosalie and me went to the far side of the pond (says Prawny). And she held me up, and I looked for the torch. And I spotted it under the water. It was ON! 

I didn't turn it on, says Terence.

Prawny ignores him.

And then I spotted my tail, says Prawny. So I told Rosalie.

Excellent news, says Gaius. But why didn't she give it to us before leaving?

Because of what happened! says Prawny.

Which was what? asks Terence.

Stop asking! says Prawny.

Sorry, says Terence.

Prawny continues. Umm, where was I?

You told Rosalie, says Margaret. What did she do? No. Forget I asked that.

Right, says Prawny. She put me down and went into the water. 

We thought so! says Terence.

Prawny frowns.

And she picked up the torch and my tail, continues Prawny. But THEN!

What? asks Terence.

I'm about to tell you, says Prawny.

Terence is quiet.

The green and golden bell frogs came out of their holes and started booing, says Prwany.

Why? asks Terence.

They said we'd cheated them out of their reward, says Prawny. And I said but it's my tail . And they said so what, they were the ones who were suposed to find it. So I said to Rosalie, drop it back in so they can find it.

And they said hurrah! Now we'll get the snack of our choice thanks to you.

That was NOT a good deed, says Terence.

Oh? Why not? asks Prawny.

Not Yet The Tail

Let's go! says Terence.

We should wait here for Rosalie to come back, says Gaius.

And Prawny, says Margaret. 

What if she puts Prawny down while she looks for her torch? says Terence.

She's unlikely to do that, says Gaius. She'll be needing his help.

But if Prawny spotted the torch then she might put him down, says Terence.

I suppose she might, says Gaius. But only while she steps into the water to pick up her torch.

What if she forgets him? says Terence.

Then the bell frogs will eat him, says Margaret.

I KNOW! says Terence. That's why I'm asking.

Rosalie has arrived at the far side of the pond and is visible.

She waves at Gaius, Margaret and Terence.

Look, says Margaret. Rosalie's waving!

Is she waving Prawny or a torch? asks Terence.

Prawny, says Margaret.

You have good eyesight, says Gaius.

I know, says Margaret. 

She's going in! cries Terence. Has she still got Prawny?

I think so, says Margaret. She's now bending down.

I hope that means she's found something, says Gaius.

Maybe Prawny's tail, says Terence. 

Rosalie is standing up now, waving something. 

It's her torch, says Gaius. 

Where's Prawny? asks Terence.

Perhaps in her other hand, says Margaret.

She's bending down again, says Terence. She must have dropped him.

Or she spotted his tail, says Gaius. 

That would mean Rosalie gets the reward, says Terence.

Better her than the frogs, says Margaret. Rosalie won't want to eat Prawny.

Rosalie has disappeared again.

She's returning, says Gaius.

All we can do is wait, says Margaret.

And find out what happened, says Terence.

Not long now, says Gaius. I near footsteps.

Rosalie appears on the track, waving her torch.

Found it! says Rosalie.

Where's Prawny! asks Terence.

Here, says Rosalie. Now I really must get going, my lunch hour is well and truly over. Prawny can tell you what happened.

She hands Prawny to Terence.

But not Prawny's tail.

The Problem Is What It Is

Margaret goes back to the others.

Did you find it? asks Rosalie.

Not yet, says Margaret. I came back with bad news.

What? asks Terence.

You may not want to hear this, says Margaret.

We do, says Gaius. 

I don't, says Prawny. 

I do, says Terence. But Prawny doesn't. 

I'll take Prawny away, says Rosalie. 

Where will you take me? asks Prawny.

A quick dash to the other side of the pond, says Rosalie. I might spot my torch in the water.

I'll help you, says Prawny. 

He's good at looking, says Terence. 

With one eye? says Rosalie.

If you point him where he's supposed to be looking, says Terence.

Okay, says Rosalie.

She picks up Prawny and hurries away.

Now tell us the bad news, says Gaius.

 I heard the bell frogs discussing their snack, says Margaret.

The snack of their choice? says Gaius. Was it something that would be hard to find?

On the contrary, says Margaret.

That would be hard to find, says Terence.

What on earth are you talking about? says Margaret.

A contrary, says Terence.

Contrary means the opposite, says Gaius. Therefore something easy to find. So what's the problem?

The problem is what it is, says Margaret.

And what is it? asks Gaius. 

Prawny's soft parts! says Margaret.

They want to eat Prawny? says Terence. 

They intend to claim his soft parts as a reward, says Margaret.

Surely not, says Gaius. Have they not thought it through?

Perhaps they have, by now, says Margaret. But I thought I should tell you.

Indeed, says Gaius. It's best if we're prepared.

Wait, says Terence. They can't eat Prawny because there'd be nothing to glue his tail to.

Even Terence can think this through, says Gaius.

And I know what we can do, says Terence.

Tell us, says Gaius.

Give them another prawn and tell them it's Prawny, says Terence.

That is a clever solution, says Gaius. How would they know the difference?

Only that Prawny can speak and has feelings, says Margaret. And has two identifying holes in his sides where the feathers were.

Well yes, admittedly, those could be problems.

Soft Parts

You should get out of our water, says the bell frog who didn't eat Prawny.

We're going, says Terence.

Yes, we're going, says Gaius. Then you can start searching.

He carries Terence back to the edge of the pond, and deposits him there.

Where's my torch? asks Rosalie.

Terence has it, says Gaius.

I haven't, says Terence.

I hope you didn't drop it in the water, says Rosalie.

Me too, says Terence. But if I did, the bell frogs will find it.

Indeed they will, says Gaius. They will be searching for Prawny's tail and no doubt stumble across it.

Why are they searching for my tail? asks Prawny.

I must apologise, says Gaius. I might have lost it.

We think it fell into the water, says Terence. And guess what?

What? asks Prawny. 

They get a reward if they find it, says Terence. A snack of their choice.

I really can't wait any longer, says Rosalie. I'm on a late lunch break.

Why don't you wade ito the water and look for it yourself, says Margaret. That's what I'd do.

We aren't supposed to interfere with the bell frogs, says Rosalie.

Nonsense, says Margaret. I'll go, then. 

She steps into the pond.

She sees the two green and golden bell frogs splashing about on the far side, in front of the sauna.

She stops. They don't look like they're searching.

She moves closer. Hears them talking.

Famous! says the one who didn't eat Prawny. Woohoo!

Aren't we already famous? says the neighbour.

Only as a group, says the one who didn't eat Prawny. This would be just US!

They might make a video of us doing it, says the neighbour.

How? asks the one who didn't eat Prawny.

We could do a reenactment, says the neighbour.

Yes, says the one who didn't eat Prawny. And then eat our snack.

What snack will we choose? asks the neighbour.

The prawn's tail might be nice, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

So how come you didn't eat it when you had the chance? asks the neighbour.

I tried, but I was choking on feathers, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

We can't ask for the tail as our snack, says the neighbour. It's what were supposed to be finding.

I guess not, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

We could ask for the soft parts, says the neighbour.

They start laughing Rr! Rr! Hey! Hey!

And dive down to start looking.

Margaret is torn between two imperatives.

Finding Rosalie's torch, and going back to tell the others what might happen to Prawny's soft parts.

Reward For Who

Greetings! says Gaius. Thank you, bell frogs, for showing your faces.

Thank you, says Terence. 

Like we had a choice, says the green and golden bell frog who didn't eat Prawny.

I had a choice, says the neighbour. 

Yes, you did, says the green and golden bell frog that didn't eat Prawny.

We didn't even know you were there, says Terence.

Yes you did, says the one who didn't eat Prawny. 

He means me, says the neigbour.

As a matter of fact we did know, says Gaius. 

Did we? asks Terence.

You didn't, says Gaius. But Margaret spotted a second bell frog knocking.

Was that you knocking? asks the green and golden bell frog.

Yes it was me, says his neighbour. 

What did you want? asks the green and golden bell frog.

I thought I heard choking, says his neighbour. 

It was a prawn, says the bell frog that didn't eat Prawny. Would you believe it had feathers?

No, I wouldnt, says the neighbour.

It did, says Gaius. Allow me to show you.

He takes two bedraggled feathers from his shorts pocket.

That proves nothing, says the neighbour.

Point taken, says Gaius.

I recognise those feathers, says the one who didn't eat Prawny. What happened to the tail?

I have the tail too, says Gaius. I'm intending to replace it later on.

He tries to find Prawny's tail in his pocket, but it's awkward, as he's still holding Terence.

Give it to me, says Terence. I'll show them.

I can't find it, says Gaius. Maybe it's stuck to the feathers.

He hands Terence the feathers.

But nothing appears to be stuck to the feathers.

Let us look, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

Okay, says Terence. 

He reaches forward and gives each frog a feather.

The frogs comb through the feathers.

But no prawn tail is found.

It may have fallen into the water, says Gaius.

Yikes! says Terence. Prawny wants his tail back.

He shouldn't have lost it, says the one who didn't eat Prawny.

Right, says Terence. There's a reward for who finds it!

What a good idea, says Gaius. 

What's the reward? asks the neighbour.

You get famous, says Terence. 

Plus a snack of your choice, says Gaius.

The two bell frogs look at one another.

Rr! You're on! croak the bell frogs.

Which Hole?

Prawny sees Rosalie coming.

She's coming! says Prawny.

Which way? asks Terence.

The way that I'm looking, says Prawny.

I'm here, says Rosalie. Has anything happened?

We don't know, says Terence. Let's go!

I've brought a torch, says Rosalie. 

Can I hold it? asks Terence.

I suppose so, says Rosalie. 

You take Prawny, says Terence.

She hands Terence the torch, and takes Prawny, who feels rather warm.

They head back to the pond.

I've got the torch! says Terence. Can I shine it into the hole?

No, says Gaius. You're not to go into the water.

But I'm the main frog guy, says Terence.

You could carry him across to the hole, suggests Margaret.

Thank you, Margaret, says Gaius.

But Terence is already certain it's going to happen.

Shall I give it a warning? asks Terence.

A kind thought, says Gaius. Since you thought of it, you deserve to be part of the action.

Yay! says Terence.

Gaius picks Terence up and steps into the water. 

He wades across the pond to the hole.

Which hole is it? asks Terence.

This one! says a frog voice.

I'm giving you a warning, says Terence.

Is it you that threw the prawn into my hole? asks the frog voice.

Yes, says Terence. It was me.

That's when I needed a warning, says the frog voice.

A warning not to try and eat Prawny, says Terence.

I didn't, says the frog voice.

His tail came off, says Terence.

Ask the frog if he's recovered, says Gaius.

Have you recovered? asks Terence.

No, says the frog voice. 

Ask him if he'd like to come out for a checkup, says Gaius.

Would you like to come out for a checkup? asks Terence.

Who's asking? says the frog voice.

Me, says Terence. And Gaius. 

No, says the frog voice. I wouldn't.

Then I'll blast this torch on you, says Terence. You'll get blinded.

All right I'll come out, says the frog voice.

Well done Terence, says Gaius. 

The green and golden bell frog's face appears at the entrance to the brick hole.

And another green and golden bell frog's face appears at the entrance next door.

RUOK! RUOK!

I'll keep Prawny's tail, and glue it on later, says Gaius. 

What about my wings? asks Prawny.

You may not want the wings, says Gaius.

Are they ruined? asks Terence.

Pretty much, says Gaius.

Prawny can get new ones, says Terence.

Or do without, says Margaret. 

I'll do without, says Prawny.

They were only feathers, says Margaret. 

Juvenile feathers, says Gaius.

Yes! says Terence. Prawny needs proper wings!

I don't want proper wings, says Prawny. I just want my tail back.

Later, says Gaius. I have fish glue in my back pack at Minnie's.

Okay, says Prawny. What can I do in the meantime?

Whatever Terence thinks best, says Gaius.

Let's look out for Rosalie, says Terence. 

Good idea, says Gaius. If you hold Prawny aloft, he'll see her coming. Meanwhile Margaret and I will keep an eye on the hole.

So Terence takes Prawny a short way down the track at the side of the pond, and holds Prawny aloft.

Turn me, says Prawny. I've only got one eye.

It's hard to turn you without your tail, says Terence.

Turn yourself then, says Prawny.

You're pretty smart, says Terence. 

Am I? asks Prawny.

Can you see her? asks Terence.

No, says Prawny.

They wait.

Gaius and Margaret are keeping an eye on the hole.

Did you hear something? asks Margaret.

Rr! says Gaius. But that was before.

Something is poking out, says Margaret. A frog's leg, it looks like.

I don't see it, says Gaius.

There! says Margaret, pointing.

Ah yes! Gaius can see it. But it's not the right hole.

It's knocking, says Margaret.

Frogs don't knock, says Gaius.

It appears to be knocking, says Margaret. Maybe it's checking on its neighbour.

Of course! says Gaius. It would have heard sounds of choking, and coughing and a subsequent lack of volume in the croak.

Now look! says Margaret. The one that was choking is poking its head out! 

So is the other one, says Gaius. If only we could hear what they're saying.

RUOK? says Margaret.

What? says Gaius.

Just my joke, says Margaret. I really can't hear them. I thought it was what a frog might say to a fellow frog in trouble. It sounds a like a croak. RUOK!

I'm not used to you making jokes, Margaret, says Gaius. I'm glad you've explained it.

He laughs belatedly.

Something Feathery Vibrating

 Rosalie reaches the black brick hole first.

It's one of many.

But only one emits sounds of coughing.

She stoops and looks in.

Do you have a torch? she asks Gaius.

Not with me, says Gaius. Perhaps Margaret will have one.

He turns to ask Margaret if she has a torch.

No, sorry, says Margaret.

If I was a proper parrot I'd get one, says Prawny.

Yes! says Terence. You're learning!

Learning what I can't do, says Prawny.

At least you're trying, says Terence.

I'm not trying, says Prawny. I caused all this trouble.

What trouble? asks Terence.

The frog we're supposed to be observing is choking, says Margaret. That's trouble.

It's not Prawny's fault, says Terence.

So is it your fault? asks Margaret. You wanted Prawny to fly.

It's the super-parrot's fault, says Terence. He gave Prawny the wings.

Su-PERB parrot, says Margaret.

He was trying to help me, says Prawny.

You should call him, says Terence. He might bring us a torch.

This is not a great idea for two reasons.

1. Prawny has no way of calling the superb parrot

2. The superb parrot will not have a torch

But a torch is not needed.

Gaius has reached into the hole and pulled out Prawny's tail.

Prawny's tail! calls Gaius.

Yay! says Terence. Hear that, Prawny?

Yay, mutters Prawny.

The coughing is getting louder, says Gaius. I'll reach in again.

He reaches into the darkness and yes! he feels something feathery, vibrating. 

Prawny's wings?

He draws them out slowly.

Yes, it's them. Two straggly juvenile superb parrot feathers.

No longer good for anything.

A frog voice is heard, from the hole.

Rr! Rr! 

Are you all right in there? asks Gaius.

Rr...

It doesn't sound very vigorous, says Rosalie.

No it doesn't, says Gaius. What should we do?

I'll fetch a torch, says Rosalie. You wait here. 

She wades out of the shallow pond and heads off to get one.

Gaius wades back to Terence and Prawny, and shows them the tail he's recovered.

But not the feathers.

Not All Middles Do

 I don't know why they leave the tail on, says Margaret.

The tails are edible, says Rosalie.

I've never tried one, says Margaret. I always discard them.

It's my body part you're talking about, says Prawny.

Yes, now he only has a middle, says Terence.

At least his middle has an eye and a mouth, says Gaius. Not all middles do.

Very funny, Gaius, says Margaret.

I'd like to question this prawn, says Rosalie.

Go ahead, says Gaius.

Did you leave the frog choking? asks Rosalie.

How do I know? asks Prawny. 

Did it eat your tail before or after it tried eating your wings? asks Rosalie.

Does it matter? asks Margaret.

These are sensible questions, says Gaius. Think, Prawny.

Prawny thinks.

What exactly did happen?

He was stuck, facing into the black brick hole.

The way out was behind him.

The frog had grown impatient, and pushed him towards the exit.

Prawny had made a difficult turn. 

Now his tail was behind him. 

Yes, that's right. But his tail is always behind him...

Until now, when it isn't.

What was the question? asks Prawny. 

At what point did the frog try your wings? asks Rosalie.

Before my tail went missing, says Prawny. 

Missing? says Rosalie.

Maybe it didn't eat it! says Terence. Maybe your tail just fell off.

And maybe the frog is still choking, says Rosalie. This calls for an intervention.

It does indeed, says Gaius.

You might get your tail back, says Terence.

But it won't join back onto my middle, says Prawny.

Gaius can join things back on, says Terence. He has fish glue.

Prawny becomes hopeful.

Fish glue sounds good.

Meanwhile Gaius and Rosalie have stepped into the pond and are making their way to the black brick hole, from which they can hear coughing.

Fine Without Clappers

Prawny hasn't come out yet, says Terence.

I know, says Gaius. 

You shouldn't have thrown him into the hole, says the hiker.

He's the second main frog guy, says Terence.

Not really, says Gaius. But it seems he is blocking the hole.

Then he must be extracted, says the hiker.

Are you a scientist? asks Margaret.

No, I'm a Friend of Mawson Ponds, says the hiker. We do weeding and planting and keep our eyes on the frogs.

Margaret, says Margaret. I'm a geologist.

Rosalie, says the hiker.

What do you suggest we do about Prawny? asks Gaius.

One option is to let nature take its course, says Rosalie.

Does that mean I can go in and get him? asks Terence.

No, says Rosalie. I mean something will eat him.

Eat Prawny? says Terence.

There should be no need for that, says Gaius. 

If there's a green and golden bell frog in the hole it'll push him out, says Rosalie.

Or eat him, says Terence.

They eat spiders and crickets and damselflies, says Rosalie. Mainly.

And smaller frogs, says Gaius. In fact they are known to eat their own young, on occasion.

They WILL eat Prawny, says Terence.

Everyone looks at the hole Prawny disappeared into.

And then...

The front end of Prawny appears and drops out.

The back end of Prawny is missing.

Also his feathers.

Prawny floats on the surface of the warm salty pond.

Margaret grabs a stick and starts moving the water.

Prawny floats to the edge where Terence, Gaius and Rosalie are waiting.

Gaius leans forward and picks Prawny out of the water.

Look at me! says Prawny. 

You're ruined! says Terence.

The frog tried to eat me, says Prawny. But when it got to my feathers it choked. How much of me is missing?

Your clappers, says Terence.

I didn't have clappers, says Prawny.

Your tail, says Gaius. Don't worry, as a cooked prawn, you'll be fine without it. 

Scent Of Potato

Margaret is not far away.

She has heard voices.

Gaius! calls Margaret. I'm here!

We know! answers Gaius. Stay where you are. We're coming.

Terence runs ahead, forgetting about Prawny.

I assume you'll be wanting your prawn back? says the hiker.

Thank you, says Gaius. Prawny is proving invaluable.

But your friend has just called out to you, says the hiker. What did the prawn do?

This prawn saved Terence from drowning, says Gaius.

That boy? says the hiker.

Yes that boy is Terence, says Gaius. Which way are you going?

The same way as you, says the hiker.

They proceed towards Margaret.

Terence is already there.

Look! says Terence. We found the frog saunas. 

He points to a pile of black bricks with holes in the sides, under a pyramidal plastic umbrella, at the edge of a pond

Please don't disturb them, says the hiker.

Of course we won't, says Margaret, we're just observing.

Wonderful! says Gaius. Are there any green and golden bell frogs inside?

I haven't seen any, says Margaret. They may be hiding.

Prawny will find them, says Terence. Where is he?

Here, says Gaius, handing Prawny to Terence. 

Terence is about to step into the water with Prawny.

Don't do that! say Gaius and the hiker, at once.

Okay says Terence. I'll get Prawny to swim there.

I can't swim, says Prawny. 

I'll throw you into one of the holes, says Terence. 

Yikes! says Prawny.

This is your chance to be the second main frog guy, says Terence.

All right, says Prawny.

Terence is quite a good thrower, and the holes in the black bricks are not far away.

He throws Prawny.

Prawny fixes his eye on a hole.

Zoom! Made it!

Prawny is inside a hole. It's warm inside, and something is growling. Rr! Rr!

Hello, says Prawny. 

This is MY hole, says a frog voice.

I know, says Prawny. 

I was just going out to sunbake, says the frog voice.

Don't let me stop you, says Prawny.

You ARE stopping me, says the frog voice. And tickling me. What are you, a bird?

I'm training to be a parrot, says Prawny, but I'm really a prawn.

You smell like a prawn, says the frog voice.

Do I? asks Prawny.

With hints of potato, says the frog voice.

That's spun potato, says Prawny. It dried up and fell off.

Well, the scent lingers, says the frog voice. Anyway why are you here?

I'm a second main frog guy, says Prawny.

From the university? asks the frog voice. 

No from the Gateway Motor Inn in Narrandera, says Pawny. Terence ordered me.

That's all Greek to me, says the frog voice. 

Shall I get out of your way? asks Prawny.

Yes, go back to where you came from, says the frog voice.

Prawny can't do that. 

Nor can he get out of the hole.

Two Cooees And A Cooee

Cooee! 

That will be Margaret, says Gaius. 

He speeds up.

Terence is behind him, with Prawny.

Cooee! They hear it again.

You're meant to answer, says Terence.

I'd rather not, says Gaius. She must be nearby.

I could send my parrot, says Terence.

Me? says Prawny.

If you could fly, says Terence.

What would I do if I could? asks Prawny.

You'd fly up and spy Margaret, says Terence. Then you'd fly down and tell us.

Tell you what? asks Prawny.

Where she was, says Terence.

Cooee! They hear it again.

That cooee seemed to be coming from a different direction, says Gaius.

Stop, says Prawny, Throw me up and maybe I'll spy her.

Can I? asks Terence.

May as well try, says Gaius.

Terence throws Prawny into the air.

Prawny wasn't ready.

He falls to earth beside Terence.

See her? asks Terence.

I wasn't ready, says Prawny. Throw me again.

Ready? asks Terence.

Throw me so I'm already facing in the right direction, says Prawny.

That's too hard, says Terence. We don't know the right direction.

Give Prawny to me, says Gaius. I'll do it.

He throws Prawny, in such a way that he hopes Prawny is facing in the right direction.

A hiker comes up behind them,

Hello, says the hiker. Ow! What was that?

She bends down and picks up Prawny.

We don't encourage littering at Mawson Ponds, says the hiker.

It's my parrot, says Terence.

Our prawn, says Gaius. It was up aloft, briefly, looking for our colleague.

The hiker looks unconvinced.

To her it's a headless prawn with two baby bird feathers.

She has not spotted the eye or the mouth hole.

So when Prawny says: Guess what? I saw her! I saw Margaret! she is astonished.

Ears Peeled

Ten minutes is long.

Terence is sinking.

What if he's down here forever, turning slimy and green?

Something slimy and green floats towards him.

And sticks to his face.

Yeerk! Bluh! 

A fish comes by, and nibbles at the slimy green thing stuck to his face.

Another fish joins the first fish.

This is new, says the first fish.

They both swim away.

Bumhole!

Terence would have liked to ask them a question.

But he can't talk underwater.

What's this though?

Two legs with feet at the bottom. Two hands grasp Terence by the waist. 

Squelch! Pop! He is rescued by Gaius.

Yikes! says Terence. That was close.

How did you happen to be in the water? asks Gaius.

The ground wasn't there, says Terence.

Come and sit down with Prawny, while you dry off, says Gaius.

Okay, says Terence. 

Gaius puts Terence down beside Prawny.

Did you find a bell frog? asks Prawny.

No, says Terence. Two fish tried to eat me.

They were probably trying to eat that green algae stuck to your face, says Gaius.

How did you know where I was? asks Terence.

Prawny told me, says Gaius. You can be grateful to him.

I heard you fall in, says Prawny.

I didn't FALL in, says Terence.

Never mind, says Gaius. I wonder how Margaret is going.

He calls Margaret.

Gaius! says Margaret. I think I've located some of the frog saunas. 

We'll join you, says Gaius. How far away are you?

About ten minutes walk from where we parted, says Margaret. In the direction I went.

We're sure to find you, says Gaius. But it might help if you whistle.

Margaret does not normally whistle.

She's not sure if she can.

I'll cooee, says Margaret. 

Fine, says Gaius. We'll listen out for your cooee.

Is she going to cooee? asks Terence.

What's cooee? asks Prawny.

When someone goes COO-EE! says Terence. 

I hope she doesn't frighten the frogs, says Gaius. 

They'll just think it's lame, says Terence.

I hope you're right, says Gaius.

If I was a frog I would, says Terence.

Are you dry yet? asks Gaius.

Yes, let's go! says Terence.

They set off, ears peeled for lame cooees.

Into The Mud

Prawny suspects Terence has fallen into the pond.

But what can he do?

He can't move forward.

Then he remembers the call of the green and golden bell frog. 

He tries it,

Rr! Rr! Rr!

A green and golden bell frog hops over.

Was that you?

Yes, says Prawny. I was trying to sound like a motor bike.

Why? asks the green and golden bell frog.

To attract a green and golden bell frog, says Prawny.

Well, you did, says the green and golden bell frog. But you're bad at it.

It's my small mouth hole, says Prawny.

So it is, says the bell frog. Did you want anything in particular?

Yes! says Prawny. I think Terence has fallen into the water.

Something has, says the bell frog.

It's probably him, says Prawny.

What does he look like? asks the bell frog.

Like a boy, says Prawny. With curls and a claw.

Boys don't have claws, says the bell frog.

It's not his claw, says Prawny. Can you help him?

Why don't you help him? asks the bell frog.

Can't, says Prawny. I haven't learned how to get things.

How did you get those wings then? asks the bell frog. They don't look like prawn wings.

I'm training to be a parrot, says Prawny.

Who's your trainer? asks the bell frog.

A real parrot, says Prawny.

Meanwhile, time is wasting. 

If Terence has really fallen into the pond, he'll be expecting someone to save him.

And he is.

Under the water, beyond the reeds, Terence is waiting.

And thinking.

Only Prawny knows where he went.

And Prawny can't move on his own. 

But Gaius said he'd be back in ten minutes.

Then Prawny can tell him...

and Gaius will come...

and save his main frog guy.

If he can see him.

Terence wonders if he is visible from above.

It would be good if his curls were sticking up out of the water.

He wriggles his toes.

And sinks deeper into the mud.

Main Frog Guy

Gaius and Margaret are cycling towards Mawson Ponds.

Gaius is on Minnie's good bike and Margaret is on Minnie's old one.

Terence and Prawny are in the good bike's front basket.

They are talking about what they will do when they get there.

I'm the main frog guy, says Terence. Beause I know what they look like.

I know what they look like, says Prawny.

So you're the second frog guy, says Terence. If you see one, tell me.

Okay, says Prawny. Then what?

We tell Gaius, says Terence.

And me, says Margaret, who has been listening.

And Margaret, next, says Terence.

Then what? asks Prawny.

We ask them some questions, says Gaius. 

Assuming they'll talk to us, says Margaret.

There are four of us, says Gaius. At least one of us should be able to coax them to answer.

The one they like best! says Terence.

Indeed, says Gaius. So I want you to think up some questions, and how you will ask them.

Okay, says Terence.

Okay, says Prawny.

They are at Mawson Ponds now.

They are very big ponds. The green and golden bell frogs could be anywhere.

Shall we stick together or separate? asks Margaret.

You go that way, says Gaius. I'll go this way. We'll keep in touch by phone.

Which way can we go? asks Terence.

You stay here with the bikes, says Gaius. And listen out for frog calls. I'll return in ten minutes.

What do the frog calls sound like? asks Prawny.

I was going to ask that, says Terence.

Like a motor bike, says Gaius. A motor bike revving up.

Not a bell, says Margaret.

No, says Gaius. Not a bell.

Gaius goes off that way. Margaret goes off the other way.

Terence and Prawny remain with the bikes.

Rrrr! Rrrr! Rrrr! 

Ding! 

What are those sounds? 

Wait here Prawny, says Terence. 

He leaves Prawny on his own and tiptoes to the reeds at the edge of a nearby pond.

Rustle rustle.

Splash!

Is Prawny about to become the main frog guy? 

Visions Of Dust

The superb parrot has gone.

Interesting take on the bell frogs, says Katherine.

Up themselves, says Gaius. Who would have thought?

I suppose they have been given special treatment, says Margaret.

I'm sure parrots exaggerate sometimes, says Minnie.

What's exaggerate? asks Terence.

Making something sound worse than it is, says Margaret.

Or better, says Katherine.

Parrots don't do that, says Terence.

Not your parrots, says Gaius. They have, in the main, been reliable.

Like Arthur, says Katherine.

Yes like Arthur, says Gaius.

Who's Arthur? asks Prawny.

A guy we know, says Terence. He gets things.

He obtains things, says Gaius. Things I've forgotten.

But he's not with us at present, says Katherine. 

Maybe Prawny can get things, says Terence.

Prawny wonders what things.

They would need to be small things.

What are everyone's plans for this afternoon? asks Minnie.

I should like to visit Mawson Ponds, says Gaius. Can you give me an idea of the distance?

Not far at all, says Minnie. Mawson is right next to Chifley.

Within walking distance? asks Gaius.

Yes, says Minnie. Or you could borrow my bike.

Have you got two bikes? asks Margaret. Because I'll be going with him.

Curses. Gaius hopes there is only one bike. 

But then Margaret would probably have it, and be first to arrive at the Ponds.

Yes, says Minnie. Two bikes.

So that's that, then.

What about you Katherine? asks Minnie. 

I thought I'd do some sight-seeing, says Katherine. It's ages since I was last here.

I'll come with you, says Minnie. We'll go to the War Memorial first.

The War Memorial!

Katherine has visions of khaki, artillery, and dust.

Uh Cu Su

 Minnie returns with a protein ball, covered in seeds.

That looks tempting, says the superb parrot.

Help yourself, says Minnie.

What can Prawny have? asks Terence.

I'm not hungry says Prawny.

If you eat a protein ball you cannot but bounce, says Margaret.

He's too small to eat a protein ball, says Katherine.

I'm not serious, says Margaret.

What's a bounce? asks Prawny.

It's when you go boing! says Terence.

That is not the full explanation, says Gaius. To bounce is to move up, back or away after hitting a surface.

That's what I want to do, says Prawny.

The superb parrot gives Prawny a seed.

Now what?

Prawny has a seed in his mouth hole.

But he is not bouncing up or away from the table.

What's the trouble? asks Terence.

Uh cu su, mumbles Prawny.

He can't say, says Gaius. But my guess is that he was expecting to bounce right away.

Gaius lifts Prawny and lets him drop to the table.

Boing!

Prawny bounces a little.

Whether he would have bounced anyway, is debatable.

Yay! says Terence. You bounced! Was it like flying?

I think so, says Prawny, having spat out his seed on the way

Wonderful, says Gaius. 

Well, I must be going, says the superb parrot. Thanks for the snack, lady.

You're welcome, says Minnie.

Perhaps we'll see you again, says Gaius. We're here to check on the green and golden bell frogs.

Them! says the superb parrot.

You know them? asks Gaius.

The ones at Mawson Ponds? asks the superb parrot.

Yes, I believe that's where they were released, says Gaius.

With their fancy spa, and so on? asks the superb parrot.

It appears you know them, says Gaius. 

Oh yes, says the superb parrot. You'll find them somewhat up themselves. Don't tell them I said so.

He heads for the door.

As The Wind Blows

Minnie does not look at her red-spotted windows.

She is looking at Prawny, on her doorstep.

So is Terence.

Can you fly now? asks Terence.

Only downwards, says Prawny.

And sideways, says the superb parrot. As the wind blows.

Do the wings help? asks Minnie.

Yes, says Prawny.

Come inside, and show the others, says Minnie.

Prawny? says Terence.

What? asks Prawny.

Do I have to pick you up or can you fly in sideways? asks Terence.

Pick me up, says Prawny. There's no wind in here.

Terence lifts Prawny and carries him to the dining room table where the others are eating their lunch.

The superb parrot makes his own way to the table.

They're back, says Minnie.

Prawny looks different, says Katherine.

It's the wings, says Margaret.

Feathers, says Gaius. 

You're right, says the superb parrot. These are baby feathers from my eldest, who no longer requires them.

They're stuck in, says Prawny.

Woo! says Terence. What if they fall out?

You can stick thm back in, says the superb parrot. It's quite easy.

Can we see how they work? asks Katherine.

Okay, says Prawny. Put me down on the table.

Terence puts him down on the table.

Prawny launches himself ...

And flutters gently to the floor.

Well done, Prawny, says Gaius.

Thanks, says Prawny. But I can't fly up again.

Can he have another lesson? asks Terence.

No, I've done all I can do, says the superb parrot.

Will you stay for a snack? asks Minnie.

What snacks do you have? asks the superb parrot.

I have protein balls somewhere, says Minnie. 

I'll try a peck, says the superb parrot.

Minnie goes off to find her protein balls.

Did Prawny teach you how to play Cannot But Be? asks Terence.

I think so, says the superb parrot.

Go on then, says Terence.

What if you eat a protein ball? asks the superb parrot.

I don't know, says Terence. 

Cannot but bounce! says the superb parrot.

Everyone is impressed by the degree of sophistication, shown by a beginner.