| Baba Yaga's Crocodile |
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"Do not count your goslings before they hatch Baba Yaga" said little Murray in a hushed tone.
"We WILL return, and we will liberate Goosey Lucy from your clutches - that you CAN count on."
It was not long before the home of Gracie and Little Murray became feral again. The wicked stepfather had run amuck with the money. The cupboard was bare once more. And the street full of bad manners.
Just on daylight things finally went quiet in the neighbourhood so the two children decided. Now was the time to make a move. They had been observing the moon for several weeks and knew the time was right.
What was happening at the house of Baba Yaga ? they wondered. It was time to check on Goosey Lucy.
To the East and across the mangroves at Trinity Inlet to Yarrabah, the sun was rising. By the time they walked to Baba Yagas house it would be time for breakfast. Perhaps she would invite them in. Would there be soup again? Perhaps she would have some rye-bread that they might toast.
"She's the kind of person that makes things isn't she. Perhaps she makes jam." said Gracie
"I don't know about that." Murray replied - "More like the kind of person that believes in slavery. She probably has an enormous room full of summer fruits that needs preserving."
They walked in silence for some time. "For someone who gets about all over town like that -you don't see much of Baba Yaga in the news." accused her brother.
"She was blacklisteded in her younger years." explained Gracie fiercely. "At one time she was known for her rollicking verse right throughout the land. They say she was the one that taught Henry Lawson. "
"Shooosh - Keep your voice down." her brother warned as they drew closer to the bridge. Let's be thankful that even trolls sleep some time. They crossed safely and continued the journey in silence for a time. "I thought you said Baba Yaga never spoke. She doesn't seem to mind giving out orders."
"I read somewhere, that she ages a year for every question she answers. That is why she seldom speaks. She prefers silence. So you better have a good reason for asking her to speak or she'll be angry."
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