Proof That It Happened

 So are you done with the bell frogs? asks Katherine.

I am, says Gaius. I just need to write up my notes.

I'll help you, says Margaret.

No need, says Gaius. I shall do it. Perhaps you could add a corroborating note when I've finished. 

Pity you didn't film the funeral, says Margaret.

Don't rub it in, says Gaius.

So there's no proof that it happened? says Minnie.

We saw it happen, says Margaret. 

I wish I saw it happen, says Terence.

Never mind, says Katherine. You came to the National Gallery and smuggled Prong past an attendant.

How did he do that? asks Gaius. 

In his shorts, says Katherine.

Where's Prong now? asks Margaret.

Outside getting fresh air, says Terence. 

I'd like to hear her side of the story, says Gaius.

I'll get her, says Terence.

He goes out of Minnie's front door and comes back with Prong.

Tell us about the National Gallery, Prong, says Gaius.

I got curly whiskers! says Prong.

I don't see them, says Gaius. Did they drop off?

Katherine takes out her phone and shows Gaius and Margaret the photo of Prong in front of the New Acquisition.

The one in which Prong appears to have curly whiskers.

What's that behind you? asks Margaret.

An art-parrot, says Prong.

Now you're an art-parrot, says Gaius. You should keep that photo.

Yes. She might need it for her parrot passport, says Katherine. 

It won't do for that, says Gaius. Prong doesn't have curly whiskers.

I wish I did, says Prong.

We could make her some, says Terence.

No we couldn't says Gaius.

I probably could, says Minnie. I have plenty of  leftover wool.

Do you knit? asks Katherine. How clever!

I don't want knitted whiskers, says Prong.

Don't worry I won't knit them, says Minnie. I'll cut strands, curl them and starch them. But you can't get them wet.

Yay! says Terence. I told you you'd get curly whiskers.

Prong is elated.

Curly whiskers! To match her passport photo. Who cares if she can't get them wet?