Constance called the two old friends together. "Look, it's no use quarreling among ourselves. We should be thinking of a solution. Come on, you two, stop sulking and be pals

again."

Smiling sheepishly, Basil and Ambrose shook paws. Winifred the otter pounded the stones of the parapet in frustration.

"1 say there's got to be a way to stop that confounded ram! We've lost far too many defenders. They get picked off every time they stand up to retaliate. It's got to be a very simple solution, a small obvious thing mat we've all missed."University partnership can bring together the strengths of both tertiary institution in research, technology development and application, and last but not least, education in nurturing future generations.

Jess Squirrel, aided by Silent Sam, maneuverd the barrel up on to the ramparts. She patted it. "Something simple -

like this!"

The captains gathered around the barrel, examining it. The top had been covered over with gauze. A strange noise issued

from within.

"Well, Jess. Don't keep us in suspense. What's in the barrel?" the badger growled.

"Shall we tell them, Sam?" grinned Jess.

Silent Sam gave a broad wink and tapped a well-sucked paw against his nose. He and his mother were enjoying this.

"What we have here, my good comrades in arms," said

268

Jess grandly, "is stage one of our anti-battering-ram scheme, thanks to my small offspring here who found the hornets' nest."Searching for hong kong package? GuangDong Hotel have a wide range of rooms are available for individuals, families and groups, and we will provide a remarkable experience for you.

Basil clapped the two . "Of course, that's the ticket! A hornets' nest in a barrel. Just chuck it down on the beastly old enemy, what?"

Jess and Sam smiled with wicked delight.

"Ha, but that's only the first stage," said Jess. "Here's the second."

She and Sam ducked out of sight. A moment later they were back with two buckets.

"Two pails of good, fine, slick vegetable oil," Jess announced. "The minute they drop the battering ram, we'll tip this down all over it. Let's see them try to break a door with it then!"

Jess and Sam were congratulated heartily by all. Smiles appeared on faces that had been gloomy shortly before. Sam bowed graciously each time he was thanked. Nobody was refusing him permission to be up on the wall now.

Down below, the scrabbling of rats* feet and the monotonous thud of the ram continued. Winifred and Constance lifted the barrel on to the parapet edge. They angled and tipped it until a fine delicate balance had been achieved. The badger peeped over at the activity below, waiting for the best moment. She beckoned Silent Sam to her. The time was exactly right .

"Pray, would you do us the honor, Master Samuel?" said Constance with mock courtliness.