Crocodile’s treason

[1] crocodile was the king of the river. tales of his power and cruelty had spread far and wide. even the tiniest creatures on the far bank were loathed to set foot near him. crocodile’s reputation struck such dread that at the mere mention of his name, duck would shake in fear, otter would hide amongst the bulrushes, and stork would faint on the spot.

[2] overall, crocodile was with his subjects’ anxiety. he enjoyed witnessing their alarm as he glided past them under the murky water. he often sunbathed lazily on the bank and decided which of the unfortunate animals would become the main course at his next banquet.

[3] but today crocodile had a predicament. he was tired of sleeping on a cold and muddy river bank. he felt that as the leader of the river animals, he should have a luxurious throne. he desired a warm, cozy nest, decorated with feathers. it would be tall enough for him to observe the area from a great height.

[4] unfortunately, crocodile needed the aid of the other animals to build his nest. his stubby feet were not able to collect the vegetation. this required otter’s delicate paws. crocodile’s stumpy neck meant that he could not elevate himself enough to stack feathers on a pile of reeds. the only creature tall enough for that job was stork.

[5] adopting his friendliest personality, crocodile called out to the small cluster of river dwellers who had spied him on the bank and were hiding behind the tangled clump of reeds.

[6] “i mean you no harm,” he bellowed, attempting to smile but only baring rows of deadly looking teeth.

[7] “i need your assistance.”

[8] the animals gawked at each other in disbelief, except for stork, who had fainted on the river bank.

[9] “why should we trust you? ” whispered otter, quaking in terror. “how will it benefit us? ”

[10] “this is an arrangement that is good for all of us,” answered crocodile. “if you me construct my throne—you have my word of honor—i will never eat ducks, storks, or otters again.”

[11] the river creatures looked worried. continuing to hide behind the reeds, they consulted each other before responding to crocodile’s request.

[12] “we don’t trust you,” stammered otter nervously. “how do we know you will keep your word? ”

[13] crocodile shed a few tears because the river animals did not believe him.

[14] “you have my solemn word of honor,” he said. “i promise you this will be a beneficial arrangement for all of us.”

[15] seeing crocodile’s tears and hearing his oath, the river creatures reconsidered. it would surely not be too difficult to build a throne, and if it meant being permanently liberated from fear and danger then it was worth it. agreeing to crocodile’s terms, the animals glided across the swirling river to begin working.

[16] construction of crocodile’s throne proved tougher than the animals expected. he demanded ultra-soft down to coat his nest, which had to be positioned on high reeds to give him the best location from which to view his territory. by the time the river creatures finished, it was near sunset, and they were hungry and tired.

[17] crocodile, who had been watching the proceedings, suddenly realized that it was supper time. he had no intention of keeping his oath. in fact, while he had been watching the animals toil, he had been thinking about which of them he should delight in that evening. silently creeping up behind duck, he opened his great jaws and prepared to snap.

[18] fortunately, duck heard the rustle of leaves behind her and hastily flew into the nearest tree.

[19] “shame on you, crocodile,” she bellowed. “now you will never be trusted again.”

from which point of view is the passage narrated?

a. first person (crocodile)
b. first-person limited
c. third-person omniscient
d. third person (duck)