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poachers,” Zoe insisted. She took out her BUG and tapped some keys. A green light flashed. “That Wicaksono’s still at home and we might be able to get close enough to hear something if we hang around.”
    They made for his house. There was no sign of anyone, but there was a row of men’s shoes by the door. They could hear a voice coming from inside.
    â€œDeal again. I’m feeling lucky. Get your money ready.”
    â€œSounds like cards,” said Zoe.
    â€œRisky,” said Ben. “The programme I saw said that gambling is forbidden in Sumatra.”
    A woman was walking briskly towards the house. Zoe and Ben quickly sat down and pretended to be playing games on their BUGs. They made sure their translators were on and their earpieces in. The woman didn’t seem to see them. She marched straight up the steps.
    â€œSapto!” she called in an angry voice. “I know you’re in there!” She thumped on the wooden door. “I’m staying here until you come out.”
    There was a shuffling from inside. The woman bashed on the door again. At last it opened. Wicaksono stood there.
    â€œAh… Hello, Ratu…” he said. “Your husband isn’t here. I haven’t seen him…”
    â€œOut of my way!” Without another word, the woman pushed past and went inside the house. Ben and Zoe could hear yelling and the sound of things being knocked over. Then the woman reappeared, dragging a man along by his ear!

    â€œSome husband you are!” she yelled, as she pulled him down the steps, sweeping up his shoes as she went. “You promise to stop gambling and what do I find…”
    â€œI’m sorry, Ratu my love,” the man was whimpering, as they went out of sight. “I was just about to win – I had the best cards ever. You could have had everything you wanted… ow !”
    Two other men came to the door of the hut. They pulled on their shoes and scurried off sheepishly.
    Ben looked at Zoe. “If they’re dangerous poachers, I’m an aardvark!” he said. “It was just a secret gambling game. ‘Making a killing’ was a phrase, not what they were setting out to do. We’re back to square one.”

CHAPTER
EIGHT
    â€œWhat do we do now?” said Zoe.
    â€œAngkasa knew about the poachers,” answered Ben. “Maybe we can ask her a few more questions without frightening her off.”
    They set off through the village, but there was no sign of the fruit stall today.
    â€œWhat have you done to yourself?” said a voice. It was Catur. He came out of his shop and took Ben’s hands. He looked concerned.
    â€œI…slipped over,” said Ben.
    â€œI can sell you something to make it heal.” Catur gestured towards his shop. “Come inside.”
    Ben and Zoe followed him in. Beads and brooches and carved wooden animals were displayed on a long table, next to a row of bottles containing richly coloured powders and pills. There were some pretty rings displayed on the back wall, beside a curtained opening. Zoe went over to have a look. She knew Gran would like them.
    Catur picked up a small pot of bright red ointment. “This is a salve made from the lipstick tree. It helps to keep wounds clean.” He opened the lid and let Ben sniff at it.
    As Zoe examined the rings she had a sudden thought. Catur might know something about the man that Angkasa had mentioned. But how could she bring up the subject of poaching without explaining why they wanted to know?
    â€œThis ointment is very good,” Catur was saying. “But if you are willing to pay a bit more I have something…special… in my storeroom.” He gestured towards the curtain. “Guaranteed to heal those wounds quickly. I don’t tell everyone about it, but I like you two.”
    Suddenly alarm bells started ringing in Zoe’s head. There was a sly sound to Catur’s voice. And what did he