A swoop and a swish and one after another they splashed into the pool, amidst jeering and croaking from the onlookers. The bravest frogs did double-bankers and back somersaults and all kinds of fancy flips and flops. Right across the centre of the pool a branch of a tree rested on either side, and on it squatted a big fat mosquito. This was the greasy pole, and the fellow who was lucky enough to keep his balance while he crossed, had the thought of that fine fat mosquito for a prize.

The mosquito was tied to the branch by the finest spider-web; so he was a prisoner, trembling from head to foot as he watched each new frog take his few steps, lose his balance and go flopping into the pool.

Shh! Shh! There was a sudden silence, and all the bush folk turned to look at the Rev. Fluffy Ears. He waved his paw and flicked his ears, then spoke in a clear dignified tone.

“Ladies and gentlemen, spend all your money at this bazaar as you know it is in aid of our poor friends who are homeless through the fire. Those who have no money can give their services free. Mrs Possum has worked hard for months to make this bazaar a success, so I hope to see a friendly spirit among you all. Don’t spoil things by scratching or kicking your neighbour (as I saw Mrs Magpie and Mrs Peewit doing) or biting and nipping a friend’s tail when his back is turned. It is not kind. And above all remember there is to be no stealing.”

A flutter in the tree and an angry voice from Mrs Flying Fox prevented Rev. Fluffy Ears from speaking further.

“A nice thing to suggest!” she screamed. “Stealing indeed! As if anyone would do such a thing!”

A painful look came over the Rev. Fluffy Ears’ face, he patted his nose, and felt his collar.

“It’s an insult! That’s what it is,” roared Mrs Flying Fox. And she made a lunge at the Rev. Fluffy Ears.

“It’s time I interfered,” muttered Blinky to himself. Up to the present he had been sitting very quietly in a corner of the tree, too surprised and amazed at everything he saw to speak or even show himself. But he was not going to see another bear get the worst of a fight with all these creatures looking on.

“Stop that!” he commanded at the top of his voice. “Stop at once, or I’ll push you out of the tree!”

Mrs Flying Fox darted round to see where the voice came from.

“Oh, it’s only you, is it? Another one of the Koala family poking his big nose into other people’s affairs.” Blinky became very angry, and poor Fluffy Ears began to cry.

“Someone stand below and catch her when I push her off!” he shouted; and before Mrs Flying Fox could believe her ears she was given a kick that sent her flying out of the tree; but to everyone’s horror Blinky’s bockers caught in a twig just as he gave the kick, and there he hung, suspended in mid-air.

“Help! Help!” he screamed. “I’m falling.”

A rip and a split and Blinky parted from the best part of his knickerbockers. Down he fell — thud, right in the middle of a squealing and kicking crowd. It was not on the programme to find a fat, plump bear squashing and kicking everyone within reach.

“Help! Help!” he screamed, “I’m falling.”

“Grab her legs!” Blinky shouted, but no one could get near enough, as he seemed to be raising all the dust it was possible for anyone to do.

“I’ll settle this hubbub!” said Percy Bull Ant, blowing out his chest and advancing cautiously with his two front legs waving threateningly. Edging round the fighters he managed at last to get a grip on Blinky’s paw. Nip, nip, nip he bit with all his might. Blinky gave a spring in the air and came down right on top of Mrs Possum.

Mrs Possum bit him savagely and naughty Blinky at once kicked her, scratching and ripping her best hat to shreds.

“Oh!” wailed Mrs Possum. “Look at my hat, my very best hat!”

“It wasn’t his fault; it’s all through Mrs Flying Fox.”

Here was Angelina Wallaby of all people, and you can imagine how pleased Blinky was to see her.

“Oh! dear Angelina. Where did you come from?”

“I happened to be watching you from the bush, and when I saw you fall, I thought it high time I came along to save you. Just look at your best bockers! What will your mother say?”

“I-I don’t know,” Blinky said nervously, feeling the back of his pants.

“Is it a very large hole, Angelina?”

“It’s so large, that you’ve no bockers at the back at all!”

“Serve you right! I hope you get a good smacking when you arrive home. I hope your mother wallops you.”

“You!” Blinky exclaimed, too surprised for further words.

It was Mrs Flying Fox speaking. She grinned spitefully at Blinky.