Having travelled for long days in an overheated car, Mr. Black was pleased to see that he had been left a piece of coffee cake for breakfast.
But after extending his eating of the delicious cake for as long as possible, he found himself left entirely to his own devices in a house he had only seen on one previous occasion.
His explorations brought him into contact with a mother frog and her child.
They spoke politely, but as the frog was too much occupied with her maternal duties to extend any sincere hospitality to Mr. Black, he continued on by himself.
For the space of half an hour, he entertained himself with a bowl of treasure. So many beautiful shinies demanded his immediate attention.
Yet despite the irresistible appeal that such baubles held for him, Mr. Black soon felt that he could take no enjoyment in his discovery without a companion to share it.
So he wandered on.
Presently, he heard the sounds of lively conversation.
Upon stealing into the room from which the sounds came, Mr. Black saw a lady chickadee and a gentleman koala taking tea.
To interrupt and turn himself into an unwanted imposition was the last of Mr. Black's wishes, but the more he listened to the conversation, the more he felt sorry for being unable to participate.
Happily, the lady took notice of the stranger.
And the gentleman, on finding Mr. Black to be well-meaning and amiable, took it upon himself to invite Mr. Black to help them drink the tea.
And thus, together, the trio passed a memorable and very pleasant afternoon.
