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mean by “special”? She exchanged a quick glance with Ben. She could see he had the same suspicion as her. Was Catur the “bad man” Angkasa had told them about? Was he dealing in animal parts and making ointments out of tiger bones?
    â€œWe haven’t got much money on us at the moment,” she said. “So we’ll stick with the salve.”
    â€œOf course,” said Catur smoothly. “But do come back if you need anything…else.”
    As soon as they’d left the shop, Ben pulled Zoe into the gap between two of the wooden houses.
    â€œWe’ll certainly be back,” he muttered. “And sooner than he thinks.”
    â€œYou’ve got that look again,” said Zoe.
    â€œWhat are you planning?”
    â€œIt sounds as if Catur could be linked to the poachers,” Ben told her. “But we must make sure we’ve got the right man this time.”
    â€œAnd how do you plan to do that?” demanded Zoe. “We can’t ask him.”
    â€œI’m going to get a look inside that storeroom,” said Ben. “Let’s see if there’s another way in.”
    They crept along past compost heaps and chicken runs until they came to the back of Catur’s shop.
    â€œThere’s a door,” said Ben. “Now here’s your part in the plan. Keep him busy while I search.”
    â€œOK,” said Zoe. “But be careful. Remember what Uncle Stephen said. The poachers are dangerous.” She grinned. “I forgot to get a ring for Gran!” she said brightly. “See you in a minute.” She darted off.
    Ben waited until he heard Zoe’s voice ringing out. “I can’t decide,” she was saying loudly. “Could you take them out the front so I can get a better look in the light?”
    Ben gingerly opened the back door of the shop and crept in. The storeroom was hot and gloomy, lit only by a small, dirty window. There were shelves piled high with tins and packets. Ben inspected them. This was the ordinary stock for the shop. He pulled out some cans of baked beans to see if there was anything hidden behind, but he found only a few dead flies.
    â€œThe green one is nice…” He could hear Zoe chattering on.
    He noticed a shabby chest of drawers in the corner. He pulled open the top drawer, wincing as it squeaked. It was full of jars and boxes. Ben picked up a small glass bottle, containing what looked like strands of wire. Then he opened a box and nearly dropped it in shock. It was full of dried eyeballs!
    Gross ! he thought. And that wasn’t wire. It was whiskers.
    He opened the second drawer. There was something rolled up in brown paper, like a small rug. He uncurled an edge and found himself staring at a beautiful orange and black striped pelt.
    Then he heard a muttered voice from the shop.
    â€œI want to talk to you, Catur! Come with me.”
    The translated words rang in his ear. That wasn’t Zoe. It was a man and footsteps were approaching! They were heading across the wooden floor of the shop – straight towards the storeroom. There was no time to get out. Ben squeezed into the tiny gap between the chest of drawers and the wall as the curtain was flung aside. Too late he realised he’d left the drawer open.
    â€œYou shouldn’t be seen here,” he heard Catur snap.
    â€œI wouldn’t be here if you’d told me what’s happening.” It was the other man again. “When we didn’t hear from you we started to think you were planning to do the job yourself and take all the money.” He gave a cold laugh. “Then we’d have had to…see to you as well as the tiger.”

    Ben listened intently.
    â€œYou’re crazy.” Catur laughed coldly. “How could I cheat you, my friend? We’re all in this together…we’re like brothers. Meet me at the usual place at nightfall and I’ll tell you the plan. Now go.”
    And we’re