The Case of the Three-Toed Tree Sloth by John R. Erickson

Author:John R. Erickson [Erickson, John R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Maverick Books, Inc.
Published: 2019-02-21T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven: The Plot Plottens

I’m back, how about you? Good. I’m back, you’re back, and we’re ready to roll this case up into a nice little bundle.

Okay, Drover and I were in the shelter belt, north of the ranch house, and we had just discovered a mysterious track in the dust. It had been made by a creature with four toes, and Drover leaped to the conclusion that it was a porcupine track.

“I’m sorry, son, but you’ve been sand-bagged.”

“I have?”

“Don’t you get it? That track was left by a Three-Toed Tree Sloth—only he was equipped with a high-tech device that left exactly the kind of track we weren’t looking for!”

“You mean…”

“Yes. Obviously he’s equipped himself with prosthetic shoes.”

Drover’s eyes bugged out. “Prosthetic shoes?”

“Exactly. They were scientifically designed to leave a four-toed track. He’s doing this to confuse us.”

“Where would he buy shoes?”

“Drover, I deal in large concepts, not sniveling details. The large concept here is that our adversary wanted to throw us off the trail, so he left us some phony tracks. It was the smart play, very clever, but it didn’t work.”

“I’ll be derned.” He sniffed the track. “It even smells like a porcupine.”

“See? Exactly my point. These guys will do anything to conceal their true identity.” I began loosening up the muscles in my enormous shoulders. “Well, I’ve seen enough. How about you?”

“Oh, I wouldn’t mind checking it out some more.”

“Well, that’s exactly the wrong answer. We’ve done all the checking we need to do. We’ve built a solid case and now it’s time to send in the troops.”

“Okay, good luck.”

I paced a few steps away from the runt. “We’re putting out a call for volunteers. We need a few good men to creep forward and scout those trees.”

His eyes went blank. “Volunteers?”

“That’s correct. And I’ve held a spot open for…YOU.”

“Me! You said ‘good men.’ I’m just a dog.”

“Drover, we’re willing to waive some of the requirements.”

“Yeah, and I’ll wave goodbye!”

He tried to escape, but I knew his tricks and blocked his path. “Drover, this could be a great opportunity to advance your career.”

“Yeah, but this leg’s acting up again. I’m not sure I could stand the pain.” He began limping around in circles. “See? Terrible pain!”

“Drover, pain is what drives us.”

“Yeah, and it’s driving me crazy! Oh, my leg!”

“Pain is the magic fuel that propels us to greater heights.”

PLOP! He hit the ground like a rock. “Darn the luck, there it went!”

I glared down at him. “All right, you little slacker, if you won’t volunteer, I’ll volunteer for you. Get up. You have just been promoted to the Scout Patrol. Go do your duty. And never forget, son, this is for the ranch!”

And so it was that Drover volunteered to lead the Scout Patrol and go in search of the elusive Three-Tiered Toad Sloth. We knew it would be a dangerous mission and that some of our troops might not come back alive, but Drover stood tall and took the assignment.

Or, to come at it from

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