Previous Story: 92. Settling Affairs - “Up to No Good” - The Comedian

Walter was trying to think of a way to thank Charger; the horse had made the long trip to the zoo just to warn the Animals. Apparently, the good humans had found a method of escaping the city. He seemed sure this would make things even more dangerous for those left behind. Charger mentioned "bad humans," though Walter wasn’t sure if they were the same as the "strange humans."

While the chimpanzee considered all this, Jugger grabbed a sack of carrots, which she opened up in front of the horse.

Thank you. Charger began munching through the vegetables.

Thank you for coming to warn us, replied Jugger.

Smiler added an affirmative click, his shiny nose poking over the side of the pool. His fellow dolphin, Jumper, was swimming around behind him. Walter was worried about what Charger had told them, but equally concerned about the dolphins. He was, however, working on a plan to get them to safety. 

Walter was lost in his thoughts for so long that when he looked up, Charger had finished the carrots.

I better go before Lance starts looking for me. You should all try and get out with me and the good humans.

We’ll discuss it, replied Jugger. Thank you again.

Your bird friend can watch them, added Charger. Then you’ll know when it’s time. Goodbye. With a neigh and a clatter of hooves, he galloped away.

Jugger waved her trunk at the dolphins. Whatever happens, we have to get you two out of this dirty pool and to the sea. Once that’s done, the rest of us can worry about what’s to come. Walter, what about this plan of yours?

Hopefully, I’ll be ready tomorrow, he replied. I’m going to need everyone’s help.

-----

Even though his plan seemed to be working, Walter was nervous. It wasn’t far from the zoo to the coast, but it was far enough for something to go wrong. From his position on top of the human vehicle, he at least had a good view. He also had Athena to keep an eye out from above. The bald eagle would squawk if she spied danger. Thankfully, she’d stayed quiet so far.

On the flat back of the human vehicle were Smiler and Jumper. They looked so helpless out of the water, but the other animals had them wrapped up in wet towels and sheets. Jane and Howl were there with two buckets, adding more water when they could. Getting the two dolphins out of the pool hadn’t been easy, but with Jugger’s trunk and Bob’s lifting ability, they’d got there in the end. Walter had helped out as well, and all the other animals had commented on his surprising strength. 

The vehicle was being towed by Jugger, using a harness Walter had made from some materials he’d found at the zoo. To begin with, it had been incredibly difficult to move the vehicle — even with Bob the bear pushing from behind — until Walter fiddled around with the controls inside. By lifting one handle, he found that the vehicle moved much more smoothly. Checking inside had been Smiler’s idea — Walter reckoned the dolphins were pretty intelligent.

As they at last neared the sandy beach, Walter told the pair that there wasn’t long to go.

Good, remarked Jane. We’re almost out of water back here.

Even on four paws, she and Howl struggled to keep their balance and hold Smiler and Jumper in place; Jugger and Bob didn’t provide the smoothest of rides.

Moving the vehicle became even harder once they reached the sand.

One last effort, implored Walter. We have to get close to the sea.

They were halfway across when Athena swooped low. Look there! Two of them!

As usual, Bob wasn’t slow to take on the strange humans. These two were wearing only bright orange shorts, running swiftly across the sand. They stupidly charged straight at Bob, who gave a roar and swiped the first of them away with one great paw.

Walter didn’t want to see the rest of the massacre, so he turned away.

That bear does have his uses, remarked Jane.

When they finally reached the water, Jugger summoned a mighty roar. Walter removed the harness and — after the elephant had taken a moment’s rest — they first unloaded Jumper. Gripped by Jugger’s trunk, with Howl and Walter supporting underneath, they carried the dolphin into the surf and lowered him into the water. With a last shove from Walter, Jumper was soon swimming free.

Then it was Smiler’s turn. Bob had returned and was also able to help as they transferred the second dolphin to the cool, blue ocean.

A thousand thanks! declared Smiler.

The two dolphins put on quite a show for their saviors: speeding, splashing and leaping through the air.

Jugger sat down in the sand. All that work is worth it now.

Howl barked triumphantly. A beautiful sight!

We will never forget you! Jumper gave a last leap.

Farewell, friends! added Smiler.

Athena landed on Jugger’s back. She, Jugger, Bob, Howl, Jane and Walter watched as the two fins eased away. Ahead of the dolphins lay only sparkling water and the distant horizon.

Next Story: 94. The Great Escape - Mobilization