Chapter 33

Branches whipped by the windows of the bus and I just watched, paralyzed. I couldn’t come up with a plan to defeat the werewolves and there was no way I could convince any of these jumping, yelling, happy kids of the danger they were heading into.

But finally the joking and laughter died down. Maybe it was the jolting of the bus, which creaked and groaned every time it hit a rut or rolled over a stone. Or maybe it was the darkness of woods so thick they shut out the sun. Or maybe it was the strange and ancient swamp smell, so alien from the air of the town. Whatever it was, everybody seemed pretty subdued.

Even Rick stopped bumping against me every time we bounced over a rut in the dirt track.

Finally the bus slowed and slowed and shuddered to a stop. Sunlight! All the kids leaped up from their seats to see where we were. But there wasn’t much to see.

We were in a small clearing, surrounded on every side by trees and thick brush. Kids looked at each other and shrugged and sat down again. “Why are we here?” someone asked. But no one had an answer.

The bus door opened. Mr. Clawson climbed inside, looking pleased with himself.

“All right, students,” he said. “This field trip is about learning to appreciate your environment. Mr. Grunter and myself will point out many species of plants and animals along the trail. The trail itself winds through woods and swamp. Some places are boggy and dangerous, so stick to the trail and follow me at all times.”

He glared. “Got that?”

Everyone swallowed nervously and nodded. “Yes, Mr. Clawson.”

“There’s a wonderful variety of wild creatures living right here just a few miles from Fox Hollow,” Mr. Clawson went on with a secret smile. “And once the daylight fades, the swamp really comes alive!”

The principal’s eyes gleamed. His stare fell on me. A red glow flashed. “You’ll be amazed at what comes out of the swamp at night. Just amazed, isn’t that right, Gruff?”

His eyes blazed on me as he grinned, showing me a glimpse of his sharp teeth. I jumped up from my seat. I couldn’t help myself.

“Don’t get off bus!” I cried, looking wildly at all the kids around me. I grabbed Paul’s arm. “Don’t go! If you want to live, stay here!”