In Which The Undertaker Arrives

As Gorden struggled to regain his composure a figure appeared behind the (gathering) crowd and started to push its way through. After the first few concerned conies turned into rabbit-eyed rabbits a clear path appeared as if by magic.

"Sir," the fox intoned, " I believe you require the services of an undertaker."

The head buck straightened up and faced the animal. He nodded. "Hello, Willie. I've been hoping not to see you."

Willie nodded. "I always feel saddened," he said in leaden tones, "when the food-chain is broken." He shook his head. "Nothing in nature prepares you for an animal acting like a human."

The head buck nodded solemnly.

"May I see the body?" Willie asked. The head buck pointed to the shed. Willie padded slowly into the shed and came out bearing Bertrams Body. He laid the poor creature on the ground and spent a few minutes examining the body. Gorden watched amazed - he'd never seen an undertaker cross coroner at work before.

Willie faced the head buck and sat down.

"Strangulation." He spoke slowly. "Probably, at, around three in the morning. Not much struggling. Probably a smaller animal that caught the badger whilst asleep."

"Thank you," The head buck said. "If you find anything else out..."

"I'll send word." Willie said, picking the body up and heading away from the fields, away from the burrow.

"I'm declaring a day of mourning." The head buck said at the gathered crowd. "School and work, apart from essential maintenance, are called off for the day."

The crowd dispersed quickly to pass the news to the rest of the burrow. Gorden was about to follow suit when the head buck tapped him on the shoulder.

"Gorden," He said, "This must be linked to your quest. It is even more important to speed your way."

Gorden nodded.

"Go to school and see Cola." Gorden was suddenly reminded *that*s the teachers name. Cola. He could picture her the couple of times he'd been to school when they'd both been pupils. He remember her brothers, what were they called? Daniel and, something.

"Come on Gorden," David said as Gorden stood thinking of his short schooldays. "Before someone else.." He stared at the badger's hut.

Gorden turned towards the burrow. David followed as did Plessey singing quietly to himself.

"Slide away.."