"As far as I can see," he said, "if we can't find somethin'
better than stone-deaf hedgehogs, peevish parrots and funkin'
bandicoots we may as well give way to despair."

Bunyip Bluegum was forced to exert his finest oratory to inspire
them to another frame of mind. "Let it never be said," he
exclaimed, "that the unconquerable hearts of puddin'-owners
quailed before a parrot, a hedgehog, or a bandicoot.

"Let hedgehogs deaf go delve and dig,
Immune from loudest howl,
Let bandicoots lump melons big,
Let peevish parrots prowl.

"Shall puddin'-owners bow the head
At such affronts as these?
No, no! March on, by anger led,
Our Puddin' to release.

"Let courage high resolve inflame
Our captive Pud to free;
Our banner wave, our words proclaim
We march to victory!"

"Bravely sung," exclaimed Bill, grasping Bunyip Bluegum by the
hand, and they proceeded with expressions of the greatest courage
and determination.

As a reward for this renewed activity, they got some useful