4 THE NERVOUS ANIMALS

CHAPTER 4 THE NERVOUS ANIMALS Each day, before sunrise, creatures came out from their homes and headed to the Great Meadow, in the center of the island. That was the site of the Dawn Truce, where everyone could safely get together and chat about the latest island news. Ordinarily, the Dawn Truce was a cheerful occasion, but on this day they had very serious matters to discuss. Gale fluttered onto a rock and screeched, "The poison tide is coming! The poison tide is coming!" Mr. Beaver grunted, "Pull yourself together, Gale! You'll cause a panic!" Fink barked, "Why should I care what happens in the ocean? I live on dry land!" Swooper hooted, "Because the land and the water and the air are all connected!" Other animals began calling out. "We'll be fine, this island has everything we need!" "I don't even like the ocean!" "But what about our friends on the coast?" The animals grew louder and wilder until they were

silenced by the robot's booming voice. "The seal might be right," said Roz. "There might be a poison tide spreading through the ocean. But I do not think it will reach our shores. I think we are safe—" Roz was cut off by Nettle and Thorn, the bears who were sister and brother. "You think we're safe?" growled Nettle. "I want to know we're safe!" snarled Thorn. "I understand your concern," said Roz. "But of the creatures here, only the migratory birds and I have ever left the island, and we know that the ocean is truly enormous. It seems highly unlikely that the poison tide could spread through the whole ocean and find its way to us. The poison tide does not worry me, and it should not worry you either."