Camouflage Read Online Free Page A

hedge.
    â€œThe Magenta Garden!” the kids said in unison.
    â€œHow would Jasmine have gotten in?” Bindi wondered aloud.
    They walked the length of one side of the hedge. They found a gate, but it was tall and wooden, with a strong padlock attached.
    The bougainvillea was covered in little spikes, so they were pretty sure Jasmine hadn’t climbed over the top of the hedge. A little farther along Robert spotted a break in the hedge, where a small person could fit through. “Probably through here,” he said as he moved toward it.
    Bindi called out. “Be careful, Robert. Take a peek if you can and make sure there isn’t a Komodo waiting for you on the other side!”
    Robert nodded. He turned off the flashlight and crept slowly through the thick hedge. Bindi waited anxiously. A moment later he reappeared.
    â€œYep, there’s definitely a Komodo in there, but it’s too dark to tell for sure whether it’s Saffron or not.”
    They were going to need some help—preferably without Mrs. Yeoh noticing. The kids started to race back from the Magenta Garden.
    â€œI just don’t get it,” panted Bindi as they ran. “If it is Saffron, and I reckon it probably is, why would Mrs. Yeoh steal a Komodo from the reptile park she’s been helping to promote?”
    She didn’t get to consider the possibilities any further, because the beam of a strong flashlight crossed their path. A gruff voice called out, “Hey, who’s there?”
    It was a security guard from the front gate—and he was looking mean.
    The kids screeched to a halt, crouched low, and scrambled for cover, throwing themselves into a nearby clump of bushes. The flashlight’s beam made another sweep of the area. “I heard you. This is private property, and you will be prosecuted…”
    He was walking closer and closer to the bush that hid the kids. As they lay among the twigs and leaves, they tried to quiet their ragged breathing, desperately hoping they wouldn’t be discovered…

The siren of an ambulance and a squeal of tires made all three jump with fright.
    The guard turned back to the main gates, grunted in confusion, and started running as he saw two paramedics start up the path toward the house.
    â€œYowzers, that was close!” Bindi whispered to Robert. Robert remained frozen to the spot, and only his mouth moved as he said, “I’m good at this, aren’t I? I could be a chameleon. You can’t see me, can you?”
    Bindi couldn’t help laughing. The two kids crawled out from the bushes and could see the guard was busy with the paramedics, so they went the long way around to avoid being seen.
    From out of nowhere the kids felt a hand on each of their shoulders. They screamed.
    â€œWhat are you doing out here?”
    The kids turned, scared. Who was it this time?
    â€œYou scared the life out of us!” squealed Bindi.
    It was Dr. Timothy!
    â€œSpending all that time around reptiles has given me some pointers on how to sneak up on prey,” replied Dr. Timothy, grinning.
    Bindi turned to Robert. “If someone’s going to win a prize for camouflage skills, little buddy, it’s definitely going to be Dr. Timothy.”
    Robert nodded. He had to agree.
    The smile disappeared from Dr. Timothy’s face. “Before you ask, we haven’t found Saffron, so I’m here to announce that we’re going to have to postpone the opening of the park.” He looked devastated.
    â€œUmm, first we’ve got something to show you,” said Bindi.
    Dr. Timothy looked unsure but the kids grabbed hold of his hands.
    â€œIt won’t take long,” said Robert, and the three of them headed back to the Magenta Garden.
    Bindi pointed out the hole in the hedge. “Take a look in there, Dr. Timothy,” she said grimly.
    He really wasn’t in the mood for games but thought it best to humor his guests. He pushed his way