"Hey, what's up, Biff?," they said together, wonder and worry in their voices. "What do you think you're doing? Let us by."

"Can't," he answered, still sitting squarely in their way. "Orders, you know."

b.u.t.tons c.o.c.ked one eyebrow as she inspected the bear, bulging with spring's first berries. "Whose orders?" She waited as the bear looked around, scanning the bushes, then the trees.

"Well, it's this way. Ssserek told me to patrol this trail. So, I'm patrolling it." With a wicked gleam of humor in his eyes, he couldn't help but add, "And you."

b.u.t.tons moved up to sit before Biff's nose. "Look, fatso, no one's told us anything about big, porky old bears telling us what to do."

Then, she darted to one side as Sally took the other. But as quickly as the two could move, Biff was faster. Sweeping out his great limbs and fanning his claws, he deftly gathered them in as a child would his favorite toys.

"Umph, ouch. Watch it, you great, big lout. Hey, that hurts," they shouted as they were thumped together, again just in front of Biff's nose.

He snickered, "Not too bad for a fat porker, my chowder-headed little friends, now, was it?"

He poked Sally with one great curving claw, making her jump to one side as best she could. He never really appreciated his own strength, but the two dogs did, having in the past experienced it when roughhousing with him.

b.u.t.tons stood up, placing her paws on his snout. Looking him squarely in the eyes, she addressed Biff with her best commanding voice, "Let's not be boorish, my fat-headed friend. Let us by. We've got things to do."

He snorted, causing b.u.t.tons to bounce backwards, tumbling into a heap beside a disgruntled Sally. They exchanged glances, and then more meekly approached Biff.

"Come on, Biff. Just what's going on? How about it, huh? Really, we need to go into the forest today."

"Not today, or tomorrow, or the next. Not until I've got orders."

Biff sat up, his stern expression being replaced by the wide jovial countenance they knew so well.

"Look, you two. You can't go in."

"But why not?"

They were surprised. Now that pleasantries had been exchanged in the usual and customary fashion, it was time to get down to business.

Biff looked about with humor in his eyes. "I was told to guard, and I'm going to guard."

"Look," he repeated, "Ssserek said you can't go in."

"Oh," was all they could manage while they a.s.similated this new datum.

Biff went on. "He said you're not allowed in. At least not until we know more about what's going on."

"But why not," asked Sally. "We know every inch of the forest. We can go places where you and others can't."

"Precisely the point. But, they they can, too. Ssserek said so." For Biff, that finished the matter. can, too. Ssserek said so." For Biff, that finished the matter.

Both b.u.t.tons and Sally knew better than to force the issue, but their curiosity was aroused. They wanted to know more. Besides, there was something fishy here, and they meant to find out.

Biff was happy to expand on the topic because he truly liked this pair, for all their snide comments about his bulk.

"If I can find you this easily, they can, too."

Sally looked at b.u.t.tons quizzically. "Just how did you find us," she asked Biff.

"Hey, I'm good. You know how smart we bears are."

b.u.t.tons guffawed, making Biff frown.

"You are fantastic about a lot of things. But you couldn't trail your own tail around a tree."

This made Sally giggle, but they both had to leap backwards as Biff flopped down in front of them.

One lip curled as he responded, "Circ.u.mspect, as usual, b.u.t.tons?"

Biff grinned, knowing the word circ.u.mspect circ.u.mspect meant caution but implied looking around. meant caution but implied looking around.

They all joined in the laughter at the play of words. This was a game they could enjoy, excelling as they did at it.

Sally broke in, "You're skirting the issue, Biff."

Once again, laughter broke out. As Biff's sides heaved with mirth, the two dogs suddenly broke in two directions again, only to be ignominiously returned to a scrambling dusty heap of legs and painful cries.

Biff puffed more dust into their faces as he said, "I know your circ.u.mlocutions (evasions in speech, but again meaning speaking speaking around around) too well for such nonsense." Again, he huffed and chuckled in mirth at his comment, making both Sally and b.u.t.tons snort in disgust. They had been had, literally, and they knew it. But, they knew it had been worth the try.

The rotund figure of Biff rose to sit once again. Then, his expression changed as a look of deep concern crossed his features. b.u.t.tons immediately sensed something was wrong.

She stalked up to the bear and sat before him, motioning him to lie down so that she could see his face better. Biff shuffled his feet and looked about, but finally did as she commanded.

"OK, out with it. Just whose idea was this in the first place?"

Biff heaved a deep sigh and looked sheepishly at the two. "Well," he began, "Ssserek did tell me to guard this trail. They're all being watched, you know."

It was Sally's turn to frown.

"Look," he said, "you're too important to us to allow you to go messing with rats in the forest. I... well, Ssserek did tell me to guard this trail," he finished lamely as his shoulders slumped.

It was b.u.t.tons's turn to frown and reconsider what had happened. Yes, they had fun with Biff, but his concern was obvious.

"Are the rats being seen in greater numbers?" Her question was to-the-point and Biff could not evade it. He knew it, too.

"Yes," he said as he gazed in his short-sighted fashion at the two before him. They meant a great deal to him. He was reluctant to let them go into the forest by themselves. But, Ssserek's orders had been very explicit to all those creatures given the responsibility of watching different areas of the forest. He couldn't leave his post, but he didn't want to leave these two either.

"Yes," he repeated. "There are more and they are doing more evil things. It's very dangerous until we know more. Right now, Ms. Lucie and Rarebit, the frog have shared their maps of the swamp with Ssserek and others. The swamp folk know and watch with us, for if the truth were to be really known, they have suffered the worst of all. They have almost totally left the dark corner to the rats, but all approaches are being manned and guarded. Anyway..." He was about to continue when a voice addressed them from a limb just above their heads.

Ms. Lucie's voice was soft but magisterial. Her eyes glittered with humor and appreciation of the exchange to which she had listened in its entirety. She was a small, neat, and very prim sparrow who took no sauce from anyone. The blue jays and cardinals could bully birds smaller than them and would chase others from the bird feeders kept by many people who lived near the Great Field and Forest. But none approached Ms. Lucie except respectfully, and the thought of threatening her never entered anyone's mind. Well, at least none ever mentioned it aloud. None dared.

"If you three are quite finished with your games, Ssserek is waiting for you on his favorite sunning rocks." She smiled to herself as she thought of Rarebit, the frog, the navigationally oriented frog who spent all of his time charting every nook and cranny of the Great Swamp. No one knew it better than him. At this critical time, Rarebit's unique hobby would prove to be invaluable.

All three of the young gulped. They liked and sincerely respected Ms. Lucie, but you never knew when she would show up.

"Off with you."

"Needn't worry, Ms. Lucie, we'll be circ.u.mspect." Shouts of laughter lingered after them on the warm afternoon air.

She turned to Biff who had regained his composure and was sitting as he intently watched the trail Ms. Lucie watched him closely as she surveyed the surrounding forest. There were many areas in deep shade, some were so darkened that nothing could be seen. She stirred restlessly. Guarding the many paths and trails was very important, but even someone as large as Biff could be seriously injured if attacked by a large group of rats and taken entirely taken by surprise. She needed to rethink their strategy. One or several birds with each of the four-legged creatures would be better. That would reduce the chances of total surprise and would allow quicker warnings to other guards. The guards needed to be changed more often, too. To be rotated. That would keep the rats guessing more.

Pinning Biff, the bear with her sharpest look, she addressed the surprised bear. "You too, Biff, off with you. You could use the exercise. Circ.u.mnavigating the field." She c.o.c.ked an eyebrow as Biff began to argue. He ceased immediately.

"Not to worry. I'll have others here in moments to take your place. I need someone who can move in and out of the forest's edge more easily. That's the place for you. Not here, sitting like a b.u.mp on a log. You'll just fall asleep, anyway, fall off and hurt your head."

Biff would have objected, but knew better than grinning at the prospects of moving about more freely. He turned and ambled off, quickly disappearing into the deep thickets as only a bear can.

Ms. Lucie shook her head. Where would the woods and field be without such as them, she thought to herself. Sighing, she gracefully swooped into the air and headed toward the deeper portions of the forest. Danger lay there and it was up to her and her kind to detect it before it was upon them in force. Fear for what could happen to such as b.u.t.tons and Sally, and, yes, even Biff the bear, chilled her to the marrow, and she raised herself above the trees into the sun where she belonged.

b.u.t.tons, Sally, Ssserek, and Ms. Lucie were soon in conference on the ragged pile of stone and rocks. Ssserek lay twined about several small stones, their heat radiating into his welcoming bones. His head rested upon a flat, slate-like stone and his deep eyes watched Ms. Lucie with interest. Little escaped these two, and their exchanges were generally rapid, skipping many details which others would have lost themselves in. They understood one another, and it was not necessary to speak to the obvious. Their enemy was well-known, and both Ssserek and Ms. Lucie respected their being cunning, if not hating their cruel and wanton ways.

Ms. Lucie was speaking.

"I have posted jays, fly catchers, and larks around the entire swamp. The woodp.e.c.k.e.rs will signal immediately if anything should happen. The red-wing blackbirds sit upon their willow reeds in all shallow bays, keeping watch for any untoward movement. Even the grackles are flying in large numbers over the deeper areas of the swamp. Frogs, toads, and turtles are everywhere, but lay quietly for their kind have suffered unexpected losses these past weeks from the rats taking both the youngest and the infirm eldest."

Ssserek c.o.c.ked his head slightly to one side to better view Ms. Lucie. "And the four-legged ones? What do they do?"

"They have the complete plans of Rarebit, the frog. His plans are accurate. Unfortunately, there are uncertainties in them regarding the darkest areas of the south swamp. He dares not go there and too many of his relatives have tried, only never to return. We have shared all of the plans with bear, deer, coyote, and the small creatures who burrow deep beyond the means of even those foul rodents. I believe we will know in time."

Her voice was hesitant and the uneasiness was there for Ssserek's keen ears. She ruffled her feathers, bringing herself back to her usual state of calm composure.

b.u.t.tons rose and moved about restlessly, her pacing anxiously followed by the other three. They knew she was deeply concerned for all of the young and old who had been lost. As young and rash as she could be, at this time, she was learning to think, and to think hard and well. She had two of the finest teachers available.

b.u.t.tons stopped before Ssserek and sat, looking from him to Ms. Lucie, and then to Sally. "But why? Why now? They have always ventured into the forest on rare occasion. But, what are their intentions?"

Ssserek spoke slowly, each word being weighed carefully. "s.p.a.ce, perhaps. Others have taken aggressive actions to increase their s.p.a.ce within both the forest and field. Hunger. The few seen have been thin, willing to attack even those much bigger and stronger."

It was Ms. Lucie's turn to speculate. "Rat Island may not be able to support those now there. Rats are destructive creatures, even to their own nests. Perhaps, there numbers have increased too quickly of late. That has happened, as we all know, to the deer who suffer terribly at such times. Unable to find sufficient s.p.a.ce or enough food for the increasing numbers."

Sally had perked up her ears at the discussion and then interjected, "Personally, I think they are simply the meanest possible creatures and look to conquer the forest and field to have to themselves. Selfishness is considered a strength in their clan."

Ssserek smiled briefly. "Think harshly of them as you will. But, be careful. Do not underestimate them, whatever their motives, however mean, or cruel, or foul they may be."

Sally spoke up, her thoughts taking a different tack. "Our guards are all out. Are they sufficient in number?"

Ms. Lucie answered. "Yes, all that can be done is being done. I have sent Biff, the bear to the Great Field. Milo, the moose waits quietly. For all his youth and inexperience, he is patience incarnate, like all his kind. Sparrow and mockingbird pa.s.s to and fro over the zoo's grazing field to the south, keeping him posted. Don't worry."

At this point, Ms. Lucie was quite confident, and her tone conveyed conviction. Ssserek relaxed ever so slightly. There was still so much to do.

Ignatius, or Iggy, the squirrel, came rushing across the open field to the rocks, hurtling himself up and on to the rocks near Ssserek and Ms. Lucie. All small creatures carefully observed a no-animals policy regarding the rocks, but this was an emergency.

He bobbed his head jerkily to Ssserek and Ms. Lucie and turned to b.u.t.tons. "Oh, b.u.t.tons," he said. "b.u.t.tons, they've attacked Biff. He's been hurt awfully bad. He needs you."

His eyes were pie-shaped circles in his small face as he turned from b.u.t.tons to Ssserek. Ms. Lucie gasped, and all of them turned immediately to her.

"Quick, Iggy, where, where did the attack come from?" She fluttered in agitation, hopping up and down. Not waiting for a response, she turned to Ssserek. "It's my fault. I sent him out." She whirled on Iggy who leaped backwards, startled by the small sparrow's actions.

"Well," she said. "Where?"

"AAh, ah, it was near the edge of the Great Forest. He's humiliated and angry. Hordes of rats came and attacked all at once. There were so many he couldn't turn fast enough to stop the bites and slashing. I, I..." Iggy stopped and sobbed as grief for his friend overtook him.

"One got on top of his head and tried for his eyes. I don't think he can see." He began sobbing uncontrollably, his scrawny shoulders shaking.

b.u.t.tons and Sally whirled as one and were ready to hurry to their friend's aid when Ssserek's soft and sibilant voice stopped them in their tracks.

"Sssstop. Thissss is no time for that. Iggy, are you sure? How badly is he really hurt? It's very important."

Iggy gulped and took a deep breath. "He... he's bleeding badly from his eyebrow on one side. I guess other than that he's really mad, tearing bushes from the ground in his rage. He's... he's really mad. I've never seen him like that." Iggy finished, his sharp features fixed on Ssserek's calm face.

"Sooooo... Good. Perhaps it's not as bad as you think." He turned to b.u.t.tons and Sally.

"Go at once. See what is wrong. We'll be along as soon as possible. The other elders must know, so be quick."

Iggy led the way, skipping around and through rock and bush in his normal quick and nimble fashion, the two dogs having little difficulty keeping up. It was further than they had thought, and they arrived panting heavily.

Biff lay curled up in a clump of bushes, quietly licking multiple small wounds on his feet and ankles. His ears had been torn but would heal, clotted blood hiding the worst of the wounds. He turned quickly as he heard their approach and rose to a defensive position in one swift movement. His head hung down, and he stared at them blearily through his right eye only. The left eye was hidden beneath a torn, bloodied eyebrow at which he would paw absent-mindedly now and again. Seeing who it was, he relaxed slightly, but remained on his toes, glancing to his right and left.

b.u.t.tons quickly motioned him down. Both her actions and words clearly stated there was no time for recriminations or complaints. The bear did as she indicated.

b.u.t.tons and Sally's inspection was as fast as it was thorough. Yes, he had taken a beating. There were many small wounds on any exposed flesh. His thick spring coat had spared him where another creature would have died. The eye needed to be cleaned, but where?

Sally and b.u.t.tons moved to one side, leaving Iggy gently patting the bear on his bleeding nose. "I don't know," said Sally. "I just don't know."

b.u.t.tons glared at her best friend. "Well, I do."

Just then, Ssserek and Ms. Lucie arrived, the sparrow landing on a bush close by. "And, what do you intend?" Ssserek spoke in a low tone, ignoring the bear and squirrel. "Remember, they're near. And if they will attack a bear, just what chance will you have? Stop and think."

Ms. Lucie spoke up, her voice clear to all there. "Ssserek, you're right. But, there may be other reasons. If they'll attack a bear, they'll stop at nothing. But, more worrisome, why would they attack Biff? No one in his right mind would do that."

Sally and b.u.t.tons both started to speak at once. b.u.t.tons nodded to Sally, who began, "First, just out of shear rat meanness. That's their way. Hurt anyway they can, anyone, anywhere." In turn, she nodded toward b.u.t.tons.

"I can vouch for that. But more importantly, it could signal a general advance on every animal in the Great Forest and Great Field."

Ms. Lucie sighed, "You're probably right" She looked with great concern to Ssserek. "We must go back to the rock to await the signals from our watchers. b.u.t.tons, you and Sally must finish caring for Biff. Rat bites are terrible and may kill without more than a scratch."

b.u.t.tons looked at the bird defiantly. "I know what to do. First, the pool of the beavers. We'll take him there. There is no cleaner water in the forest." She turned to Iggy, "Find the otters and have them at the pool as soon as possible." With that, they were off.

Sally and b.u.t.tons led the partially blind, limping, and very gruff, young bear toward the river and the beavers' pool. No one knew more about healing than the elder beaver and otter. The two eldest of the females often worked together tending for the injured and hurt. So it was a very tired bear who waded out into the cool waters of the pool and slowly submerged himself in the clear water as several otters and beavers slowly circled him.

The eldest female otter drew near and spoke in her quiet but commanding voice, "Now, take a deep breath and hold it as long as you can while we look over that swollen eye."

Biff could swim very well and did as he was told to, slowly sinking into the depths of the pool.

Sally and b.u.t.tons paced up and down at the sh.o.r.e. They knew how bad a rat bite could be. Nothing ever healed properly, it seemed, after a rat had bitten someone. b.u.t.tons was becoming angrier and angrier, snarling even at Sally as she tried to cheer her friend up. "Just stay away from me. I've just about had it. Do you understand?" She didn't wait for an answer but began to pace again.