Some Very Sharp Teeth!
Without any warning, a large grey shark swam over the top of the nearest coral mountain and shot like an arrow straight to where Maddox was standing alone in his socks.
The shark stopped suddenly, and his bright beady eyes looked down at Maddox. This was just a bit too close for Maddox’s liking.
“Don’t splash about ” snarled the shark in a deep slippery sort of voice. “Nothing to worry about. I’ve just eaten lunch.”
What exactly it had just eaten wasn’t clear, but Maddox was extremely glad it wasn’t him.
“I need your help” bubbled the shark gruffly. “which is why Iasked you to come here today.”
“I wasn’t exactly asked,” Maddox replied politely. “I was pulled!”
The shark roared with laughter and looked rather pleased with himself.
“Yes – you were, weren’t you!” It snorted triumphantly.
“I caught you instead of you catching me!”
With that, the shark swam happily around in circles, needing only the slightest flick of its powerful tail to keep moving.
Although the shark was handsome in a fishy sort of way, Maddox wasn’t keen to pick an argument. Any creature that was blessed with a mouthful of razor sharp teeth was probably better as a friend than an enemy.
Knowing about teeth was one thing. Coming into contact with them was another thing altogether.
“What exactly do you want me to help you with?” Said Maddox, looking slightly puzzled. “I’m not used to doing things under the sea.”
The shark blew a mouthful of bubbles that chased each other upwards through the water, as if they were in a race to the surface.
“You have arms and hands!” Said the shark sharply. “Very useful! Very useful!”
Maddox wasn’t sure about all this. In the back of his mind, he knew his mum was asleep on the beach. She could wake at any moment and wonder where he was.
“We’ve found sunken treasure,” said the shark greedily. “In fact, we discovered 28 boxes full of shiny gold bars.”
“What on earth would you do with gold bars?” Said Maddox laughing. “I’m sure gold is no use to you at the bottom of the sea.”
“I could never have too much gold,” snapped the shark selfishly. “Maybe I will treat myself to gold teeth one day.”
At this, the shark opened his mouth and laughed loudly. Now Maddox could see neat rows of pearly white pointed teeth. He felt sure it was sensible to help the shark while its stomach was full and it wasn’t looking for somebody tasty to eat.
“Well?” Said the shark, with a glint in his eye. “Are you going to help us?”
Maddox thought it was probably a good idea to stay on the right side of those spiky teeth and said, “yes of course. I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
“Splendid!” Said the shark and immediately swam off. His voice drifted back in an echo. “Follow me! Follow me!”