The rabbit darted left into the trees.  The black dog that was pursuing it did the same.  It was gloomy in the grove with the sun being dampened by the leaves.  The rabbit was no where to be seen, but that didn’t discourage the dog.  Sniffing the ground, the dog soon picked up the trail which led to a fallen tree.  The small, long-eared animal was hiding under some dead leaves that were still attached to their branches.  Looking like it would bolt at any time, the dog had to be careful.

            “Hey, I just want to talk to you,” the dog called out to the rabbit in what was known as animal basic.  Animal basic was a language most animals (except humans) could understand.  “I just have some questions for you.  I’m not going to hurt you.”

            “Yeah right,” the rabbit responded and then took off, under the dead tree.  The dog tried to follow, but the branches were too dense to get through.  Disappointment settled down on the dog as he turned around to leave.

            Just ahead of him some leaves started to rustle and another black dog came in the grove.  This black dog was moving at a much slower pace than the first one.  The two dogs were about the same size, but the new arrival had a lot of grey fur on him.

            “I lost him, Duke,” the first dog said and rolled on his back.  “I failed.”

            “That’s okay, Buddy,” the other dog, Duke said in return.  “We have what we need.  Let’s get back to Copernicus and make our report.  Buddy, the much younger black lab, looked up at Duke with a hint of surprise.

            “But what about the case?”

            “Copernicus will be able to solve it.  I think I have already,” Duke said and licked Buddy to show that it was all right.  Buddy stood up and wagged his tail.  He felt much better about the situation.  Duke left the grove, and Buddy followed.  When Buddy got out, Duke was no where in sight.