Toad Heaven - Morris Gleitzman [44]
Limpy's throat sac trembled with love.
“And that idea of yours was brilliant,” said Dad. “Suggesting Charm for leader. She's perfect. She's hardly ever hungry, so she can keep a clear head and make decisions based on wisdom rather than on where the next snake's coming from. No disrespect to Ancient Eric.”
Limpy smiled. “I think she's going to be a fine leader,” he said.
He felt a tap on the shoulder and turned round.
It was Charm, grinning at him.
“It's a very posh cave,” she said. “But I still prefer my room at home.”
“Up to you,” said Limpy. “You're in charge.”
Charm's face fell. “I'm still not sure about this, Limpy. I'm still not sure if I'm ready.”
Limpy gave her a gentle squeeze.
“Look,” he said. “Over there. I think those kids need some supervision.”
A commotion was approaching. A group of little cane toads were rolling a large round object through the undergrowth. The large round object was protesting loudly.
“Ow. Not so fast. They're biting me. Ow. Slow down. Look out, we're heading for a tree. Ouch.”
Charm hurried over. Limpy and Mum and Dad followed.
“Girls and boys,” said Charm sternly. “I think you might be forgetting some of the things you've been taught about gathering ants.” Her voice softened. “Malcolm doesn't like it when you roll him into trees.”
Malcolm, covered in sticky sap and red ants, looked balefully up at her.
“Malcolm doesn't like it, full stop,” he muttered.
“I'm sorry,” said Charm, her voice suddenly steely. “What was that?”
“Nothing,” mumbled Malcolm. “Come on, kids, I think I saw another ants’ nest over there.”
Mum shook her head fondly. “He's a nice young man, that Malcolm,” she said. “Well, he is now, since he gave away that real estate nonsense and started helping out around here.” She nudged Limpy. “Do you know, I think Charm's keen on him.”
Limpy smiled. “Could be,” he said.
“And these fire ants are wonderful,” said Mum. “Bit spicy at first, but when you get used to them, so versatile in the kitchen.”
Limpy smiled again. “We'll have to get you on telly,” he said. “I know a few million humans who'd love to hear you say that.”
Dad gave a chuckle. “I'll never forget that human fella's face when he saw Goliath eating those ants off his legs. That's the first time I ever saw a human look at a cane toad with respect.”
“Well,” said Limpy, “I don't think it'll be the last.”
He showed Mum and Dad the surprise he'd been saving for them. A page from a newspaper that had been chucked from a car only yesterday.
“Look at the photo,” said Limpy.
Filling half the page was one of the photos the two humans had taken after Goliath had finished eating the ants off them. A close-up of a happy Goliath, mouth bulging as he licked ants off the four-wheel drive.
Limpy couldn't read what the headline said, but he was pretty sure it was something like CANE TOAD HERO.
“Doesn't Goliath photograph well?” said Mum.
“And he's got a mighty appetite, that lad,” said Dad. “Let's hope he never loses it.”
Limpy grinned. “I don't think he will.”
Limpy found Goliath in his favorite spot in the swamp, lying in the mud under a fragrant stinkweed bush.
“G'night, Goliath,” said Limpy.“You're awake early.”
“No time for sleeping in,” grinned Goliath. “Too much eating to do.”
A little cane toad appeared, carrying a leaf piled with fire ants.
“On top of the empties, thanks,” said Goliath.
The little cane toad placed it on a tall stack of empty leaves.
“Shall I bring more, Mr. Goliath?” he asked.
Goliath groaned in pleasant pain. “I'm pretty full,” he said. “I can probably only manage another six lots.”
“Okay, Mr. Goliath.”
Limpy saw that the little cane toad was hovering, trying to pluck up the courage to ask Goliath something.
“Go on,” whispered Limpy. “He won't eat you.”
“Don't count on that,” said an ant.
“Mr. Goliath,” said the little cane toad. “Is it true that if you eat fifty lots of fire ants a night, humans won't want to kill us?”
“Something like that,” said Goliath. “It might be sixty.”
He winked at Limpy.
The little