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 warn 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.