Back in the Cafe, Monty tells Ranger Katz about finding the golden egg. Then he tells her about everything that happened afterwards.
Well, not quite everything. After her long rest as an Ickle statue Ranger Katz is much less snappy than she was before. And she’s thrilled about the Oragoths. It would be a shame to spoil things by telling her about her first disastrous visit to the Cafe, so Monty decides to leave that bit out.
No one else mentions it, either. Clink’s too busy keeping a sharp eye on the empty gold cocoon. And the others think Monty’s done just the right thing.
They don’t know what the punishment is for changing a Rare Beasts Ranger into gold, but it’s probably not very nice. And Bunchy didn’t mean any harm. She was only trying to save Ickle.
But of course Monty does tell Ranger Katz about the letter he found in Elvis Eager’s pocket. And when she sees it, her eyes light up.
‘Oh, happy day!’ she squeaks. ‘We’ve got that villain at last!’
Marigold makes mango smoothies, to celebrate. Then, except for Clink, who says he has better things to do, they all go down to the beach. Bunchy and Marigold carry the green canoe. Ranger Katz carries the canoe paddle and her handcuffs. Monty and Tawny take the Pick-up Sled loaded with Ranger Katz’s pack. And Sir Wise just takes himself.
Elvis Eager’s sitting on the sand, looking very glum because he’s seen the three Oragoths fly away.
‘I thought you’d all been eaten!’ he snarls, as Monty, Tawny, Bunchy, Marigold and Sir Wise gather round him.
‘Not quite!’ hoots Sir Wise.
‘You’re under arrest, Explorer,’ Ranger Katz says sternly, stepping forward. ‘You’re charged with stealing a Giant Red-Winged Oragoth egg, and planning to sell it to a collector of rare wild beasts.’
Elvis Eager laughs. ‘You can’t arrest me, Ranger!’ he jeers. ‘As usual, you’ve got no proof!’
Smiling, Ranger Katz takes a letter and three strange gold coins from her pocket. She jingles the coins in her hand as she reads the letter aloud.
Dear Elvis Eager,
If you keep your promise, I will pay what you ask. It is a fortune, even for me, but a Giant Red-Winged Oragoth will be the crowning glory of my Rare Beast collection, and I must have it. I am having a suitable cage built now, and look forward to receiving the golden egg from you as soon as possible.
Of course, this arrangement must be kept strictly secret. Neither of us wants trouble with the law.
Yours,
Franklin Z. Maldeed
Maldeed Island
PS In case the egg hatches while you are bringing it to me, I enclose 3 gold coins. Use only these coins to feed the young Oragoth. They have been made of the purest gold. They are stamped with my initials so you can make no mistake.
‘Rats!’ says Elvis Eager. ‘You finally got me!’
‘Yes, indeed,’ says Ranger Katz, snapping her handcuffs on his wrists. ‘And Franklin Z. Maldeed, as well. Neither of you will be locking rare beasts away in cages for a long, long, long time.’
Soon after that, the Islanders stand watching as the green canoe heads out to sea. Ranger Katz is paddling calmly. Elvis Eager’s slumped on the seat in front of her.
‘Well,’ says Marigold. ‘That’s that!’ She sneezes and yawns, both at the same time. ‘I’m going to bed,’ she announces. ‘If anyone wants dinner, help yourself to whatever you can find in the pantry. I’ll see you tomorrow!’
She turns and trudges up to the Cafe path. Bunchy and Sir Wise trail after her. Monty and Tawny are left alone.
There’s a chattering call from the sea, and the silver head of the Laughing Traveller pokes up from just beyond the waves.
‘You’ve had visitors, I see, Monty!’ the Traveller says, nodding at the green canoe sliding into the distance.
‘Yes,’ says Monty. ‘Too many.’
The Traveller cackles and skips back on her tail. ‘Your trouble is, you’re too used to the quiet life, Monty,’ she says. ‘You should try doing something new and exciting for a change.’
‘Puh,’ says Tawny. Monty smiles, thinking of huge red wings flying home. In time to come, he’ll tell the Traveller all about today. But not just now. Just now, all he can think about is sleep.
The Traveller looks up at the Cafe. ‘Clink’s on the roof, trying to get something shiny off the Signal Tree,’ she remarks with interest. ‘What in the wide sea is it?’
‘Just an empty gold cocoon,’ says Monty.
‘A gold . . . Oh . . . whoops! Ha, ha! Clink’s fallen off!’
Monty yawns. ‘Never mind, I’m sure he’ll try again. Well, goodnight, Traveller!’
‘Goodnight?’ the Traveller cackles. ‘The day’s not over yet!’
‘It is for us,’ says Monty. And with a sleepy wave he heads off down the beach, with Tawny padding behind.
