“I think they’re gone,” Roscoe said, standing up. Benjamin heard the pig and goat grunt and push grass up against him. Paco hopped onto Benjamin’s leg and barked.

“Paco,” the boy whispered, “can we go?” The dog barked. Benjamin followed him toward the raccoons. Isaac and Malcolm walked up to Marlon from the other direction.

“Hey, those raccoons are back,” Roscoe said.

“Do you see the collar?” Paco asked.

Roscoe squinted. There it was! “The little one’s handing it over!”

“Listen up.” Paco said sternly. “We need to be on our guard. They may be in cahoots with Farangis’s buzzards. We can’t let them know our plans. Understand?”

The pig and goat nodded. Benjamin looked perturbed.

“Good job, boys,” Marlon said. “Go ahead and give yourself some mussels.” He saw how badly Isaac was scratched and beaten. “Isaac, my boy. What happened?”

Isaac tenderly rubbed his shoulder. “Oh, stupid crows.”

“About forty of ‘em, boss!”

Marlon saw the boy and his companions approach. He leaned in to Malcolm and Isaac. “Look, boys. Some buzzards came while you were gone and told me–”

“I see you got our collar back!” Paco announced.

“Clam up,” Marlon whispered. “I’ll tell you later.” He smiled as he held the royal collar up in the air. He licked his lips and climbed down from his branch.

Thank goodness. Finally! Benjamin was so relieved to see it he grabbed for it but Marlon pulled it back. “What’s the matter with this boy?”

Paco barked sharply. “Okay, I’ll let you handle this.” The boy took a step back.

“Are you ready to trade?” Paco asked.

“Give me that sandwich and I’ll give you the collar.”

“Uh, I don’t think so, friend. Give us the collar, then we’ll give you the sandwich.”

“No deal!” Marlon gazed at the backpack. There was silence for a moment.

“Oh, this is ridiculous!” said the annoyed goat. “Make the trade at the same time.”

“I’ll do that, goat.” Marlon held up the collar and Roscoe pulled on the backpack.

“You want something to eat now, Roscoe?” Benjamin asked, puzzled. The goat baaahed. “Hang on. Let me see what I have.” He opened the bag and the goat’s head dove in. “Roscoe!” Sniffing around, he found the sandwich, pulled it out with his teeth, and stood in front of Marlon.

“On three,” Clementine said. “One…two…” Marlon’s eyes grew bigger as they stared at the sandwich in the goat’s mouth. “…three!” The raccoon instantly snatched the sandwich from Roscoe’s mouth. He dropped the collar and shredded his treat’s plastic wrapping into a thousand little pieces. Paco caught the collar and handed it to the boy.

“Quite a confusing morning we’ve had, eh, Sire?” Paco smiled.