The Duck - Billed Dog
Chapter One; Part 3
{Copyright © J.M. Puttock}
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Quoof's beak was beginning to feel very heavy, so finding himself a shady spot among the tall gum trees he lay down with his beak resting on a large tuft of grass.
Suddenly the 'tuft of grass' moved, wiggled, grew four legs and a long snout.
"I'm not a cushion." grunted the Spiny anteater. "Anyway, what are you? You are not a dog for you have a bill like a duck."
"I - I - I was a dog," stammered Quoof, "my beak grew during the night. Mr Pelican told me to eat fish but I don't know how to catch them and I'm so hungry."
"Mrs Swan is just around the bend of the river, she knows how to catch fish, she is very kind and will help you." said the Spiny Anteater in his gruff voice.
Quoof thought the Spiny Anteater was a funny looking animal but he said, very politely, "I'm very sorry I used you for a cushion. Thank you Mr Anteater; I will try to find Mrs Swan." and off he ran down to the river.
A grey Kangaroo hopped by, "Mr Duck-billed Dog," he called as he leapt over a fallen tree, "there is another like you up the river .... just a short way ......." the rest of his words faded away as his long leaps carried him deep into the bush.
"Such good news," thought Quoof, "but first I must eat." and continued on his way.
On the river was the most beautiful bird Quoof had ever seen. This must be Mrs Swan.
"Mrs Swan, please can you tell me how to catch fish?" he asked, feeling very awkward.
"Tell me, can you swim?" asked Mrs Swan.
"No!" answered Quoof, "But I would very much like to learn."
"Then I will teach you; it will take several days especially if you wish to catch fish like a duck."
"Oh dear!" sighed Quoof, "I thought I would be able to catch some fish for my tea."
"If you are hungry walk along the bank to where man is fishing, perhaps he will give you some fish. Meet me here again tomorrow morning."
"Thank you, Mrs Swan. I will be here in the morning, now I will try to find a fisherman."
"Hello, You are a funny looking dog!"
"Quoof Quoof" Quoof wagged his long tail.
"What do you want boy?"
"Quoof"
"Something to eat?"
"Quoof! Quoof!"
"Here is a nice small fish for you"
Quoof playfully caught the fish the man threw, then rolled over on his back for the man to tickle him.
"That was good, was it boy?" Well here is another for you."
Sometimes leaping high in the air to make a good catch, Quoof, playing the game caught many fish that were thrown to him. Soon it began to get dark.
"Sorry boy, that's all for today." said the man as he packed his fishing tackle away in his car.
Quoof had eaten his fill and made his way back through the bush to his home, where he dozed with his head resting on a soft cushion and wondered .........
"Had it all been a dream?"
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TO CHAPTER 2 QUOOF LEARNS TO SWIM>>
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