The Kangaroo became very timid, as it saw the rising anger of the Platypus,
and whispered to Dot to say something to calm the little creature.

"A million years is a very long time," said Dot; unable at the moment to
think of anything better to say. But this remark angered the Platypus
more, for it seemed to suspect Dot of doubting what it said.

It clambered up into a more erect position, and its little brown eyes
became quite fiery.

"I didn't say a million; I said millions! I can prove by a bone in my body
that my ancestors were the Amphitherium, the Amphilestes, the
Phascolotherium, and the Stereognathus!" almost shrieked the little
creature.

Dot didn't understand what all these words meant, and looked at the
Kangaroo for an explanation; but she saw that the Kangaroo didn't
understand either, only she was trying to hide her ignorance by a calm
appearance, while she nibbled the end of a long grass she held in her fore
paw. But Dot noticed, by the slight trembling of the little black paw,
that the Kangaroo was very nervous. She thought she would try and say
something to please Platypus; so she asked, very kindly, if the bone ever
hurt it. But this strange creature did not seem to notice the remark.
Settling itself more comfortably amongst the grass, it muttered in calmer
tones, "I trace my ancestry back to the oolite age. Where does man
come in?"

"I don't know," said Dot.

"Of course you don't replied the Platypus, contemptuously, Humans are so