Toad Heaven - Morris Gleitzman [41]
“Limpy!” yelled Mum.
Limpy, even though he was still dizzy from being whacked in the head by the ground, could see that Mum's eyes were wide with delight.
His were too as he zigzagged over and flung his arms round her and Dad.
Limpy lost track of time in a chaos of hugs and tears and backslaps and questions and a mild concussion.
He even found himself hugging Goliath at one stage and asking him how things had been going.
“Not bad,” said Goliath. “Though when I jumped off the train I swallowed my tongue, and I think part of it's still down my throat.”
After Limpy calmed down a bit, he realized how tired and dusty all the cane toads looked.
“Mum,” said Charm, concerned. “Look at you. It's too dry out here in the west for you.”
“I'll be fine,” said Mum, licking her parched lips. “Once we get to Kakadu.”
Then Limpy saw Malcolm standing to one side, watching them.
“So,” said Malcolm.“You've decided to join me.” He pointed dramatically to the hundreds of animals standing patiently in the dust. “As you can see, my real estate investment proposal has become very popular.”
Limpy heard uncertain muttering from some of the animals.
“It's not really the investment we're interested in,” said a rabbit. “It's the national park.”
“A place where all living things can be safe and protected forever,” said a donkey.
“And that's exactly what you'll get,” said Malcolm. “As soon as you pay up.”
Limpy looked at the travel-weary animals. At the yearning expression in their eyes as they peered anxiously toward the western horizon.
I've got to tell them the truth, thought Limpy.
“I'm afraid,” he said, “that's probably not what you'll get.”
The animals stared at him.
“Me and my sister and cousin have just been to a national park over to the east,” said Limpy.
“Two, if you count the permanently flooded one,” said Goliath.
“We thought the same as you about national parks,” Limpy continued, looking sadly at the animals. “But I'm afraid it's not true. Not all living things are safe and protected there. Only the lucky few that are allowed in.”
The animals broke into angry murmuring.
“Bull,” said a camel. “You've got that wrong.”
“That'd be discrimination,” said a fox.
“That's against the law these days,” said a mouse.
“Excuse me, everyone,” said Goliath to the animals. “This will be important for your application. Do you all get eaten?”
“No,” said a wild horse.“Just shot from helicopters.”
Limpy looked at Charm for help, but she was frowning anxiously. She pointed to Limpy's back, and then to Malcolm.
Limpy nodded. She was right. They had to destroy Malcolm's tracking device before the humans arrived with guns and golf clubs and big needles.
A feral pig interrupted while Limpy was still working out how to do this.
“That national park to the east,” said the pig. “How far away is it?”
“By foot,” said Limpy, “a few days. But please, listen to me….”
Limpy was drowned out by a very loud snort from the feral pig, who pointed angrily down to Malcolm.
“That's how far that mongrel reckoned Kakadu was,” said the pig. “I reckon it's more like a few months. We'd be better off going east.”
The other animals muttered in agreement.
“That's right, you would,” said Goliath. “No, hang on, no you wouldn't.”
“That's enough!” roared Malcolm.
For a moment Limpy thought Malcolm was going to try and bully the whole crowd of animals, but then he realized Malcolm was yelling just at him.
“How dare you!” thundered Malcolm, towering over Limpy. “I should have flattened you ages ago, and I think I'll do it now.”
Limpy took a step back.
Somebody leaped in front of him.
It was Charm, eyes flashing as she glared up at Malcolm.
“Listen, handsome,” she said in an icy voice. “You may have a clever business brain and be hunkier than any toad around, but if you touch my brother I'll take you apart wart by wart and feed you to that goat.”
“Eh?” said the goat.
Malcolm took a step back. Then he recovered and thrust his head at Limpy.
“How dare you push in here and try to undermine my business plan,” he growled. “What gives you the