Читать книгу The Hidden Kingdom - Tracey Hecht - Страница 40

THE NOCTURNALS

But as the animals made their way down the hill and drew closer to the watering hole, things did not seem fine at all. Yes, there were plenty of animals gathered there, but the Brigade could now see that they were in terrible shape. The wallabies and possums were sprawled and moaning on the hot earth. The parched birds heaved with pained gasps and squawks. Some other animals lay still, making no noise at all.

“Oh goodness!” gasped Tobin.

For a moment, the Brigade stood in silence, shocked at the terrible sight before them. Then, slowly, they began to weave through the ill animals until they reached the line of dried reeds that circled the watering hole. Using her snout, the fox pushed the brittle plants aside, allowing the Brigade to reach the banks at last.

Dawn’s jaw tightened as she gazed ahead of her. What she saw was not a watering hole at all. It was a dry pit, brown and empty, with a faint, chalky line where water had once met the banks. The only evidence of any water was a couple of small, muddy pools, and a few small fish—pale, gray, and still.

“Those poor animals,” Tobin whispered.

Cora gave a weak nod, echoing the pangolin’s thought.

“And poor us!” added the sugar glider, throwing ________

48