Poacher Peril by J. Burchett

ran round the edge of the waterhole and found a sharp rock.
    â€œCover your face,” she cried. “I’m going to smash the mechanism on top here.”
    She brought the rock down with all her strength. It shattered into fragments, leaving the locking mechanism barely scratched.
    â€œI can’t shift it,” said Zoe in despair. “There must be something else I can do.”
    But it was too late. From the trees came the sound of raised voices. The poachers were on their way.
    â€œRun, Zoe!” yelled Ben.
    â€œI’m not leaving you!” declared his sister in horror.
    â€œBut you’ll be caught too!”
    â€œShut up a minute,” Zoe hissed. “I’m thinking what to do.”
    â€œNo time!” Ben sounded frantic.
    â€œGot it!” muttered Zoe. “This had better work.”
    She could see the torchlight flashing round the trees. Just as the poachers reached the clearing she slipped out of sight.
    â€œCheck the area,” ordered Catur. “They might not all be in the trap.”
    â€œIt’s clear,” came another voice. It was Big Nose. “We’ve got the little beauties.” There was the click of a gun being cocked. “Time to get rid of them.”
    â€œGood job they’re quiet,” commented Shorty nastily. “Easier to kill.”
    Zoe pressed a button on her BUG. An unearthly wailing sounded round the clearing. Through a tiny gap in the creepers she could see the men stop at the sound. The barrel of a rifle was aimed straight at her hiding place.
    â€œWhat’s that?” quavered Big Nose. He looked frightened.
    Beside him Shorty’s gun was shaking as he tried to keep it steady.
    â€œGet on with it,” snapped Catur. “That’s just some harmless animal. Don’t waste time.”
    The men approached the trap with nervous steps. Desperate now, Zoe set the BUG wailing even louder. But it was no use. Big Nose was crouching down, his gun at his shoulder. Zoe knew that any minute he would see Ben.
    Suddenly a deep rhythmic knocking sound came from the trap. Big Nose stumbled back, dropping his gun. “That’s no tiger!” he gasped. “The locals were right. This place is evil.”

    â€œDon’t be stupid,” said Catur. “You’re just getting spooked.”
    A dreadful groaning sound echoed inside the metal trap. Big Nose shone his torch down into it with a quivering hand. “Look at those huge shining eyes!” he gibbered. Then the words orang pendek , orang pendek rose in a ghostly howl.
    â€œI can’t stay here,” yelled Shorty. “I’m off.”
    â€œMe too,” wailed Big Nose.
    Soon Catur was alone.
    â€œIs this some kind of trick?” he muttered through gritted teeth, stalking towards the cage. “There’s no such thing as an orang pendek .” Zoe held her breath as he shone his torch through the grille. “What the—?” Catur sprang back in surprise. Then he laughed grimly. “Huge shining eyes?” he scoffed. “It’s just a kid in goggles! Wait a minute. I know you!” He spoke in English now, and his voice had a murderous edge. “You’re in big trouble, boy.” He released the trap mechanism and the door sprang open.
    Zoe felt around until her hands closed on a heavy stick. Catur was not going to harm her brother – not if she could help it.
    But a loud roar froze her to the spot. She saw Catur swing round to confront –Tora! The tiger was back. She stood on the bank, her hackles raised and her teeth bared. Catur gave a whimper. Tora crouched ready to spring as he aimed his gun.
    â€œNO!” shrieked Zoe.
    The sound of a bullet ripped through the air. Tora slumped to the ground, tried to raise herself up and fell heavily on to her side. Her tail swished weakly, her head sank slowly on to the muddy ground and she was still.

CHAPTER
ELEVEN
    The clearing was suddenly full of