The Use of Disinformation

For days, the animals talked about nothing else but the result of Scales's survey. Animals living in the area he studied jumped about with glee, for their homes had doubled in value the day after the survey result was published. Creatures looking for new homes began to eye the real estate in what was now dubbed the Upper Valley Ridge, because of its ever increasing market value.

Goose once more consulted with Scales because he now wondered if 16,000 seeds for 16.3 square feet was actually a prudent price to charge for his new properties.

"I must admit," Scales hissed, "I did not expect this kind of reaction from the market. Perhaps you can pass the legal fees and permit applications to the potential home buyers. This should reduce your cost and increase your profit margin without appearing to raise the price of the nests."

"As always, Scales, you are a snake of great foresight. I will do as you say. Thanks for the advice."

Scales watched him squeeze his goosely body through the narrow opening of the office entrance. Then he turned to study Snow Ears as the rabbit rummaged through a pile of paper, sniffing at each by turn.

"What are you looking for boy?"

"Oh, yes sir, Dr. Scales. I cannot seem to find the original survey forms for the nests I visited in Upper Valley Ridge."

"I have sent them out together with the manuscript to the publisher," Scales lied. "They wanted to check the data themselves and make sure that my report is sound."

"That is very conscientious of them."

"As is to be expected. This is the world of academia. We cross check each other before giving out any kind of endorsement."

"I am embarrassed to say, Dr. Scales, that I did not make copies of the survey."

"That is all right. The only thing that matters is the result. The dataset was only a tool, a means for me to reach my conclusion."

"Yes, sir. Of course, sir."

Snow Ears put away the papers under Scales's watchful eyes. Finally the snake slithered away, and just as he was about to poke his head out of the hole, he turned back and said, "Before I forget. Cruncher the Python complained about a glow worm infestation in his office. Watch out for them before you leave."

"Yes, sir. Always, sir."

Scales disappeared through the hole, and Snow Ears promptly began to kick out dirt and leaves that had accumulated over the week. He sniffed the walls and stuffed any air-hole he encountered with compost and dirt. Lastly he rolled a clay ball of twigs over the opening after he had crawled out of the office. He stuffed more leaves under the clay ball as an added protection. There was no way for even the smallest glow-worm to squeeze itself into the office that night.

What a pity Scales had sent out the original survey form, Snow Ears thought, for he had meant to show them to Mr. Goose, whom he knew had some idea of what the actual numbers might indicate. At least he tried. Then he turned his mind to a new problem: How did the glow worms manage to get into the office?

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