"Why didn't you run away like everyone else?" asks Creole? …

"Why didn't you run away like everyone else?" asks Creole?
"Because I hoped, " said the alligator, "that is, I mean, I was thinking... it would be nice.. gosh! If you... if you would be my, you know, friend! The other alligators all laugh at me because I, well, you know, I can't talk straight!"