YOU MEET A HERP

You find Marjorie Mol back in the Reptiles section of the pet store.

"Look," she says, and pulls out a battered notebook. "For three years now I've been counting the Rana viridiana individuals in Slow Water Park." She ruffles through the pages. "Once, sometimes twice a month. The frog population was stable -- look for yourself, if you want.

"But my survey two months ago was pretty alarming. Take a look. Things just get worse and worse."

You take hold of the notebook. Carolyn looks over your shoulder. "Oh no," she murmurs.