The librarians huddled around the appendix as Kristin read their mission in a reverent whisper, “Like Thoreau and Dillard, it is time to go to the wilderness. Go to Tinker Creek and find the sycamore that casts a shadow over the creek. At the base of that sycamore, you will find the symbol of the sign of the librarian.”

“What the hell?”

“Howard!” whispered the entire team.

“If you want a codename, we’ll call you Bellow. How would you like that, Howard?”, squeaked the little law librarian who seemed to shrink inside of her smart blue business suit even as she snapped at the tweed-covered giant.

“If I can continue… Dig at the base of the tree until you find the box. In the box, you will find the tools you need to conquer the feline horde.”, Kristin finished and slowly closed the book.

“Well, that’s not too far. To the Bookmobile!”

No one yelled at Howard. They all grabbed their comfortable sweaters, turned off the lights, gathered their books, glasses and PBS pledge bags and headed out.