Starfish and Polyp

"SO." I said--now addressing the starfish--"You know this polyp?"

"I do! I DO!" sobbed the starfish with such genuine feeling I almost felt sorry for him.

"At one time--not so long ago either--we were a sort of item--as they say. But I was such a fool I...I.."

Here the starfish broke down sobbing.

"Ahh, well." I said. "Now she is being held--a victim of kidnap--by the old partner of your friend here, namely: Crawly Crustacean.

"Wha'!!" the starfish croaked, "CRAWLY CRUSTACEAN!!! That SCUM! Just wait 'til I get my hands on HIM!!

...