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stuff and then send somebody out to arrest us anyway.” But Gus grinned.
    â€œAw, you’re no help. Let’s pick out the four best milkers.”
    They selected four nannies, and Reb used pieces of the lasso he had cut up to make a lead rope for each goat. “You take these two, and I’ll lead this pair.”
    â€œThis was a good idea you had, Reb. I had badfeelings about starting out with those babies and nothing for them to eat.”
    They started back across the open field with the goats. They had almost reached the trees when suddenly Gus hollered, “Look out, Reb!”
    Reb looked up to see a terrifying sight. He had seen beetles before. He had even played with them when he was small. He especially liked the black beetles with the big pincers on their heads.
    But the beetle that was coming at them from among the trees was enormous!
    â€œHere,” Reb said quickly. “You hang onto all these goats.”
    â€œWhat are you going to do?”
    â€œI’m gonna discourage that bug.”
    Reb drew his sword and ran straight toward the beetle. Balanced on long bent legs, it loomed over Reb’s head. It had shiny black eyes, and its pincers looked big enough to cut him in two. The pincers made a clicking sound as it advanced.
    â€œCome on, you varmint!” Reb said, swishing his sword. “Let’s see who’s going to come out of this on top!”
    The giant beetle was not fast, but there was something frightening about the steady click click click of the great pincers. They were sharp and serrated, and Reb knew he was lost if the beetle ever got hold of him.
    â€œRun, Reb!” Gus said. “Don’t try to fight that thing! He’ll kill you!”
    But Reb Jackson loved a fight. He also was fairly sure that the beetle was coming for the goats, not for him or Gus. The insect wasn’t equipped to protect itself against a sword. “Don’t worry,” he said.
    But then he saw the wicked pincers head for him,and he leaped to one side just as they came together with a vicious click . Quickly Reb slashed with his sword and severed one of the creature’s front legs.
    A leg might be gone, but the beetle still had wicked pincers that could kill. Reb dodged around as it lumbered after him on five legs. The pincers closed on the sleeve of his shirt, tearing it free. But at the same time Reb leaped forward and severed another leg. The beetle pitched forward.
    â€œYou got him now, Reb! Whittle him down to size!”
    Reb danced around, and the beetle could not move fast enough now. With a mighty blow he severed the head.
    Panting, he looked at the great insect. “If they ever need a bug exterminator in this place, I guess I’m elected.” He sheathed his sword and took the leads of his two goats. “And I guess we’d better mosey on.”
    â€œHow do you mosey? ”
    â€œThat means walk.”
    â€œOh!” Gus cast him an admiring glance. “You know, you’re not as good looking as I am, but you sure are good with that sword. We’ll probably need it when we meet up with the rest of Korbo’s monsters. That big beetle, he’s probably just nothing compared to what’s waiting for us in that forest.”
    â€œYou sure know how to cheer a fellow up, Gus.”
    â€œOh, yes. Everybody says that. Back at home they always said I was too full of fun and joy.”
    As they trudged on, Reb said, “Don’t tell ’em about that big bug. It’d just worry the girls.”
    â€œI thought it’d make a good story.”
    â€œNo,” Reb said. “We don’t need any more stories. We’ve got enough real monsters ahead of us.”

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9
Danger at the River
    T he unusual parade that wound through the forest would have startled any of the inhabitants. In the lead was Dave Cooper, the only one not bearing a bundle containing a baby. He ranged on ahead, and his eyes constantly