Colluding together

Zhang Zian was one step late. He was worried about Pi and Richard's safety, so he misheard old time tea's words."That's by ..." He thought to himself,"by what?" Why did he stop?

But now was not the time to ask this. He had to drive away the Coyotes near the bonfire first.

The spotted owl flew around in the air like a ghost. It was the first to notice the approaching coyote and warn it.

Pi waved a thick branch in its hands and stood bravely at the entrance of the tent. It confronted the Coyotes across the bonfire, squeaking from time to time to strengthen its momentum.