“He knows that, dummy,” the goat whispered.

The squirrel twisted the feathers in his paws. “Yes, crows…I don’t know where they are, nor would I know how to catch them. But I know who can help you.”

“Who?” Clementine asked.

“Raccoons.”

Paco shook his head. “No, no, no!”

“Why not?” Roscoe asked.

“They’re bandits. Pirates of the forest! You can’t trust any of ‘em!”

What’s he so upset about? Benjamin thought as the rat-terrier angrily barked.

“What other choice do we have, brave Paco?” Clementine asked. “Are you going to get back His Majesty’s collar?”

Paco sighed wearily. “Alright. It’s the only choice we have. Thomas, would you please take us to the raccoons?”

“Follow me, friends. It’s less than a crow’s flight away!” He peeked at the boy.

Paco barked at Benjamin as the others followed the squirrel. “You want me to follow you?” the boy asked. Paco barked and took off through the woods, Benjamin in pursuit. They ran in the cool air. A wet dew on the tall grass soaked everyone’s legs.

Paco tried not to give away their mission by asking direct questions about the area. “Thomas, is there any chance those crows may have flown off to a farm field?”

“I’m not sure. The only farm I can think of is on the other side of Hermit Hill and that’s way beyond the forest’s edge.”

“Hermit Hill?” Roscoe asked. “Where’s that?”

“Shhh!” Thomas stopped and put his finger to his lips. “We’re close.” He looked at the boy. “I think I should see them first and let them know you want to talk. These raccoons are, uh, how should I put this…wanted, and tend to freak at the sight of strangers. Hold tight. I’ll be back in a second.” His hands patted the air. “Oh, and keep that human back there, okay?” He ran off.

Benjamin felt hopeful.

Clementine and Roscoe passed the time with a game of rock, leaf, sticks. “One, two, three go!” The pig and goat each held out a hoof.

“I win! Rock beats sticks!” Roscoe said.

“What?! This is a rock, too! Does this look like a stick to you?” Clementine shoved his hoof in the goat’s face.

Where’s my collar? What’s he doing? Benjamin impatiently wondered.

The squirrel popped out of the grass. Thomas looked happy. “They’ll see you. I can’t make any promises, but their leader is the one up in the tree. His name is Marlon. He’s, uh…well, you’ll see.” He pointed behind him. “Go straight through the grass–you’ll see them.”

Paco bowed his head. “Thank you, Thomas.”

“You’re welcome. I have to go now. Good luck!” He scampered off, then stopped and turned. “Oh, and make sure you keep both eyes open for it.” He disappeared in the grass.

“Let’s get this over with.”