Chapter 9…SUCCESS AND FAILURE

We grounded the raft beyond the far bend out of sight of the apparent poachers camp. We disembarked onto shore and gathered into a circle to plan our rescue.
“We need to find out how many poachers are there and then distract them so that we can save Howie.” Toucie said.
“I can make the sound of a Howler monkey…maybe not as loud but similar.” offered Juan.
“Good idea…then Maggie and I can fly in and bite the vines apart to free Howie and he can make a run for it!” suggested Toucie.
“I wish I could help but I’m not sure I can fly fast or well enough to help.” I explained.
“That’s OK Stormy…you stay on lookout and honk three times if you see extra danger.” Juan told me.
“I shall be delighted to offer my services if you feel that I could be of any assistance.” said Bandy.
“Not this mission Bandy thanks.” Juan told him.
Then Juan stood legs apart cupping his mouth and screamed a Howler scream at the top of his lungs.
Nothing.
Then he did it two more times. Suddenly out of the foliage and onto the edge of the beach, two men dressed in camouflage clothes and carrying rifles appeared.
Juan then screamed again as he backed away from the direction where Howie was trapped and drew the poachers toward him. As the men got to the edge of the open beach area Toucie and Maggie flew around to the back of them and straight to the bamboo cage.
It didn’t take them long to rip apart the vines and Howie used his feet to kick free of his imprisonment and he scampered toward the opposite end of the beach away from the poachers to freedom.
Then I saw him…one more man in camouflage appeared on the beach. I honked my loudest honk three times to warn everyone but just then I felt a hand grab my throat.
“I got him. I don’t know what kinda goose he is but he’s a fat one and is gonna make a mighty tasty dinner!”