Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6 The team arrived back in camp exhausted but happy. They had conquered the mountain and were the first group back. Sergeant Major Gordon gave them a begrudging nod as they traipsed back on to the parade ground. 'Not bad for a budgie-hater, he growled at Toto, then turned to the other three. 'I heard you lot were a bit soft. Maybe I heard wrong. Still, lots can go wrong in a week... Get your beauty sleep; you'll need it tomorrow.'

With that, they were dismissed and stumbled back to their tent. They were so tired they forgot about dinner (porridge, obviously) and collapsed straight into their bunks. As she drifted in and out of slumber, Toto could hear other groups of four returning in dribs and drabs. The last back were, much to Toto's amusement, the Meowsiders. She wondered what Sergeant Major Gordon would have to say, but to Toto's surprise it was General Drummond's voice she heard. 'What do you think you are doing?' the officer rat whispered furiously at them. You might not get another chance. If you want to make it and impress me, you'll have to do a lot better. Get back to your tents and don't fail me again.' Toto was confused. What was the General talking about? Why did he care how the Meowsiders did in the task? Something very odd was up at this camp and

Toto wondered if it could be connected to Felis. Sandy might have an idea, she thought to herself. And, as if by magic, right then the friendly rat appeared at the tent door. 'GOT ROOM FOR SOME SUPPER?' the poacher asked in hushed tones. 'You bet, cousin!' answered Catface as he, Silver and Socks bolted out of their beds, suddenly wide awake. 'I say, I don't suppose you have any of that cheesy pasta with haggis on top, do you?' Catface asked as they embraced. 'Aye, just as well I made a big pot. Come on then, and tread carefully or you'll wake half the camp up. 'So do you think it was Felis we saw?' asked Toto after she'd explained the day's events, as the gang munched down on their supper in front of Sandy's fire. 'Without a clear sighting it's hard to say. But who

else would have the strength to pull all four of you up? However, Larry won't believe it without proof. If it WAS Felis you saw, that's the second time he has helped a fellow animal. If I was raising an army, I'd want them to know I was to be trusted, and what better way to do

that than to save a couple of lives?' 'He's right, sis,' said Silver. 'Maybe we should try and contact him somehow to find out his plans. Although if he figures out we've rumbled him, that might not be the best idea.'

'Well, we have to try, though I don't know how yet. And, Sandy, what about the Meowsiders and General Drummond?' Toto asked. 'Goodness knows what that is all about. Drummond and Munro only took charge a few months ago so maybe they are taking a more hands-on approach. I did say THE CAMP IS GETTING STRANGER BY THE DAY. Let's see how tomorrow's task goes, and keep your eyes out for Felis. 'The leaky canoe is a legendary task here at Glenview. It requires nerve, teamwork, bravery and timing. And HOPEFULLY doesn't involve swimming. Sergeant Major Gordon laughed. It was a bright but very chilly morning and the camp residents were gathered on the shore of the icy loch. Still in their groups of four, each were stood in front of an old canoe that had obviously seen better days.