Friday, February 24, 2023 Tales of Fig Newton Part 8

Synopsis of the story thus far: Our frog hero, Fig Newton, met a little girl on the river named Lucy, who knitted him a scarf, made him a sailor’s hat, made him a little boat and reluctantly said goodbye to him so he could go see the world. Along the way, Fig was thinking through his trip when he ran across a bear carrying another girl. The bear was Grimpus Leatherfoot and the girl, Miss Agra Glendalough. They decided to travel along with him, walking by the riverside since his boat was too small for them. He spent some time thinking about what he’d want to do and see before returning home. While Agra and Grimpus were out exploring, Fig was singing in the boat by himself and was accosted by a fox named Phineas who stole his boat, leaving Figgy sitting on the riverbank, bereft. When Grimpus and Agra returned, Fig indulged in some self-pity, receiving a much needed rebuke from Miss Agra. Suitably chastened and in better spirits, he told them of the theft. Grimpus recognized the thief as Phineas Fox and recommended that they give chase immediately. They ran off in the direction of the river, but Grimpus ran so fast that all the bumping up and down made Agra sick, so they took a break. As they were taking stock of their situation, they were joined by Colonel Purslane, a hedgehog of some renown in the forest. (See Parts 1-7 if you want to know more).

Fig Newton Part 1
Fig Newton Part 2
Fig Newton Part 3
Fig Newton Part 4
Fig Newton Part 5
Fig Newton Part 6
Fig Newton Part 7

“Let me learn your names, first. I already know Mr. Grimpus Leatherfoot,” said the Colonel. Once satisfied on that score, he bade Miss Agra to tell him what had them all in such distress. Figgy felt that it was really his story to tell, but kept quiet, not wanting to waste more time. Agra summed up their plight quickly and efficiently. The colonel nodded along as she spoke and when she was done, he said, “So, Phineas Fox is up to his old tricks again! Give me a moment to think this through.” He got out of the sleigh and paced around slowly while thinking out loud.

“What we need is to consult with the one creature in this forest that always knows what is going on with everyone. As a source of information, he is unparalleled. Now, the only question is, how do we find him without delay?”

He stopped pacing and looked around, realizing that this small group of travelers were depending on his plan of action. Grimpus said, “Colonel, we are ready to look for this helpful fellow. Who is he?”
“We are looking for Clive, the snail,” the Colonel answered. This was really too much for Fig.

“A snail?!? We’re going to be depending on a SNAIL, when time is of the essence to catch Phineas Fox and retrieve the Lucky Lucy?” Poor Figgy. He really hadn’t learned his lesson yet.

“Tell me, Mr. Frog,” Colonel Purslane said frostily, “Do you know anything at all about Phineas Fox? Do you know where he lives? Do you have any idea why he needed your boat? Do you think you can figure out where he’s headed? If you want to continue running blindly without any information or strategy, I will not stop you!”

There was a moment’s awkward silence. Fig Newton was impulsive and impatient, but he was not, in the end, a complete fool. “I beg your pardon, Colonel. Just ignore me. Please do not abandon our quest because of my big mouth.” And just like that, Fig Newton remembered a song that his mother used to sing:

When words are many,
Sin is not lacking
Set a guard, O Figgy
Over your mouth.

‘Tis well to be silent
Instead of yakking
Think first, O Figgy
Before opening your mouth.

Colonel Purslane clapped his paws together and said, “I know just where Clive will be right now. At this time of day, he has finished his rounds and will be taking a rest at his home, The Last Mailbox. Agra, you come into my sleigh and I’ll lead the way!” To Fig’s relief, it appeared his indiscretion was already forgotten.

Agra was much happier riding in the sleigh, while Fig Newton and Grimpus loped along behind them. It wasn’t long before they came to a small clearing and saw a mailbox on the ground with the door flap down. The sign next to it said in big letters “CLIVE CAN DELIVER!” Seated on the door flap was a handsome snail wearing glasses and reading a book. As they came to a stop in front of him, he set the book down and seeing Colonel Purslane, he called out cheerfully, “Good day, Purslane! What can I do for you and your companions, my fine fellow?”

Fig Newton looked him over and was filled with admiration. He was obviously a learned creature, and everything about him cried out, “Can do!” They had come to the right place.

Stayed tuned for the next chapter. Good old Fig Newton – he’s a lovable froggie.
Fig Newton Part 9

If you can tell me what book Clive had been reading, this post will be saved from destruction.