CHAPTER 5

As Evie and Grandpa enter the dimness of the stables, Evie chews on her lip, suddenly uncertain about bringing the creature home. But it was injured and she feels Grandpa would have done the same thing, so she leads him by the hand to the foaling stall.

“Let’s have a look at this mysterious dinosaur you’ve found me. Hold on now, Evie. I have to let my eyes adjust to the dark.”

From the door of the stall Grandpa lowers his eyes to take in the sleeping mass on the straw. Evie watches him step closer, bending forward to get a better view. He rubs his eyes and takes another step, leaning in further still.

Grandpa’s face contorts as he takes in the enormous size of the creature before him.

“Good gracious!”

Grandpa grapples with the stall door and, as the color drains from his face, he promptly faints, crumpling onto the straw with a soft sigh.

Evie crouches down and fans her hands above his face. It dawns on her that she may not know what the creature is, but maybe Grandpa does. It is dangerous! thinks Evie, but she quickly calms herself, shaking her head. No, this creature is nothing but kindness. I know it in my heart.

Grandpa is moaning as he comes to. His brow is sweaty and his face is a queasy shade of green. He rises onto his elbows, and blinks a few times. Evie realizes he’s trying to remember what happened. When he does, he scrambles backward.

“Evie! Quick, move away,” says Grandpa, waving at her. “That is not a dinosaur. Do you know what it is?”

Evie shakes her head.

“I cannot believe I’m saying this. I must sound completely stark-raving mad. It’s a rhinoceros Evie. And they’re very dangerous. Oh, my giddy godfather.” Grandpa cradles his head into his hands. “Where did you find it, dear child?”

Evie points to the beach.

“You found it on the beach?” Grandpa’s voice is high and thin and for a moment he’s speechless.

“Does it have one horn or two?” he stammers.

Evie holds up one finger.

“All right, now, let me think. If it’s only got one horn, it’s an Indian Rhinoceros. Now, from all accounts it’s been hand-raised, probably as an orphan, so it’s more than likely domesticated.”

Grandpa paces the yard, his hands clasped together. “Is it a male?”

Evie nods.

“Oh, my. What do we do with it?! Is it injured?”

Evie mimes cuts on her arms and legs.

“I have to contact the authorities immediately and have it removed. You have to be terribly careful around him, Evie.”

Evie gives a small smile. In the two years she’s lived with Grandpa, he’s marveled at her understanding of animals, how quickly she gains their trust and befriends them. He even calls her the Pied Piper.

“All right, all right. I’m sure he’s a kindly enough fellow. I know you’re wonderful with animals, but you need to have your wits about you. I believe they have rather poor eyesight, so they can be unpredictable. Promise me you’ll be careful?”

She nods her head again, crossing her heart.

“A rhinoceros?” Grandpa mutters under his breath. “An Indian rhinoceros . . . here?”