About the Author

Peter David was born in Rusholme Close, near to the centre of

Manchester, along with four brothers. He served an
apprenticeship as a plumber, which led him to working in
instrumentation in the heavy construction industry. This in turn
led Peter to work in the North Sea, and later to London, Kent,
South Wales, and Yorkshire.

Dedication
When I started this story my mother Eva and father James had
passed away. But Id like to honour them, along with my
brothers. Their memory, we remember with deep affection, as
good, loving parents.

Pe t e r D a v i d

THE TOY HUNTERS

Copyright Peter David (2015)

The right of Peter David to be identified as author of this work
has been asserted by him in accordance with section 77 and 78
of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the
publishers.
Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to
this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil
claims for damages.
A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British
Library.
ISBN 978 1 78554 108 7 (paperback)
ISBN 978 1 78554 109 4 (hardback)
www.austinmacauley.com
First Published (2015)
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.
25 Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5LB

Printed and bound in Great Britain

Contents

The Toy Hunters

11

The Explorer

21

The Surprise

28

The Count

38

Shark Attack

47

The Plan

54

Chicken Run

64

The Planned Defence

72

Defence Plan

82

10

High Sea Rescue

89

11

Storm Brewing

99

12

The Crocodile Rescue

110

13

The Teddy Bears Picnic

119

14

The Big Blast

142

15

Double Trouble

153

16

Wallie to the Rescue

169

17

Crocodile Dinner

176

18

Follow My Leader

182

19

Johns Capture

189

20

Johns Escape

196

21

The Toys Capture

206

22

Kidnapped Girls

214

23

The girls Escape

224

24

The Toys Planned Attack

231

25

Rubber Hose

242

26

Chirpy the Prisoner

248

27

John to the Rescue

258

28

The Toys Trap

266

1
The Toy Hunters
We all set sail from Japan on a British Ship bound for the
United States of America. The Japanese Government of the
day had informed everybody to leave; unless you were born
in Japan, and youre a Japanese Citizen.
Mr T. Collins, and his appointment was to the British
Embassy here in Tokyo, as the Ambassador. He and his
family had spent four happy years here; its a lovely place to
live. We all really liked living here, the only thing I couldnt
get used to was their gardens. It was mostly made up of
small stones, combed into swirls and sweeping ruts. If youd
had a walled garden, sometimes large stones or rocks would
be placed here and there as ornaments. But with no lawn to
play on, it was hopeless to enjoy yourself on the stones. That
was my only complaint.
Everything was alright until we were informed to leave
as soon as possible. The whole Embassy was in a panic,
everyone was running around as if the place was on fire.
Sheets of important papers were packed away in small trunks
and large bags. Huge sea-trunks was packed with adult
clothes and shoes collected over the years. Hundreds of toys
kept over time, was packed away neat and tidy into two
strong wooden toy boxes. With the keys turned in the locks,
already for the journey home. Six large travel trunks had
already been sent down to the docks full to the brim with
childrens clothes. With a small collection of odds and ends,
thats been put together over many years from many
countries.
Goodbyes were exchanged, thats when the crying
started again, it was so sad.
But orders were orders, so Ambassador Collins had said
so many times before. We all climbed into the Embassy

ancient motorcar, which was to take us all down to the

docks. I overheard the Ambassador, ask the Japanese
Official, why have we been ordered to leave. But he just
shook his head, and waved him away. The next second the
ship hooter sounded to board the vessel.
We all boarded the ship, and shown to our cabins on the
lower deck. What we couldnt recall, was seeing or meeting
any other passengers on board. We went up onto the upper
deck to watch the Japanese dock workers down below. But
we were soon waved away by the same Japanese official,
who was very angry with us. He didnt like us looking down
at the cargo the dockworkers were loading onto the ship.
The whole family sat down to their meal on board the
ship, as we set sail for America. The first night at sea was
very peaceful we all had a good nights sleep. The next
morning the sea was calm, and the day very sunny. The
Collins family had a good breakfast, still the ship sailed on.
Nobody felt seasick, but for some reason we seem to be
going further south, you could feel it getting warmer.
Ambassador Collins asked Captain May, Why are we
going further south?
Captain May answered, To avoid any shipping, we
were told it would be safer to go further south. For the rest
of the day we all took it easy for the sunshine made us all
lazy. We all sat around on the ships deckchairs enjoying the
sun. The next morning after breakfast we lay on the ships
deckchairs looking up at the lovely blue sky. When Captain
May walked by, he was followed by the first officer who
came running up with a slip of paper in his hand. The note
was quickly handed to the Captain, and within seconds of
him reading it they both ran off in a mad panic.
The ships foghorn sounded loud and clear, followed by
the wailing sound of the ships sirens which filled the air.
Running feet could be heard all around us, some scampering
up steel steps. Many feet were pounding along the deck
above our heads, things were clanging and banging, loud
voices were shouting out orders. The ships crew were

shouting, men were dashing about in a wild panic. Suddenly

one mighty bang and the whole ship gave a huge shudder.
There was more screaming and shouting, as the ship lurched
over to one side. The word Torpedo was passed along the
decks. The sound of loud banging could be heard, as the
lifeboats were launched. Wild panic set in again, when the
ship gave another lurch.
Voices cried out over the noise, more loud banging
sounded as the crew rushed around on deck. Slowly the
sounds drifted away, and all went quiet. Only the bubbling
and gurgling sound of water entering the ship was reaching
our ears. Everything else was so peaceful with us just lying
here, on the ships wooden deckchair. Both looking up at the
light blue sky with the ships deck slightly sloping over to
one side. It was so silent, so nice here, both looking up and
thinking of home.
When very slowly the deckchair just slid across the steel
decking as the tilt increased. The ship was sinking lower in
the water we just plopped into the sea, as if launching a
lifeboat in slow motion. The seas current soon carried us
both away. When suddenly the ships boilers blew, scattering
debris far and wide. Leaving what was left to sink without a
trace. Not long after a long black thing appeared close by. If
Im right, I remember it being called a submarine. The sun
was growing hot as we both drifted farther south. With the
sun burning down on us, it drained all our strength. It was a
struggle to keep our eyes open any longer.
John lay close to Wallie with his arm over him as if
holding him on. The ships deckchair had drifted south, four
days since the ship was sunk. We were somewhere just north
of the Pacific Basin, when the ship was attacked.
The sun was burning us, as we both lay face upwards. It
was a lot cooler at night as we both lay side by side very
still. The wind had picked up a little; the sound of thunder in
the far distance could be heard. The swell in the ocean lifted
him and Wallie a little higher. The faint outline of land came
into view, in the very far distance. John seems to tighten his

grip on the chair as he dropped one arm across his face. He

felt they were beyond hope, there would be no rescue for
him or Wallie.
The thunder a little nearer, as the swell took them both
higher. The wooden chair was tossed around a little more in
the wild seas John braced himself, while holding onto his
best friend. The wind was picking up, and the storm building
up. The ocean waves were getting choppy as they were
thrown about a lot more.
John tightened his grip on the ships deckchair for the
second time, while still holding onto Wallie. The sea was
lifting the chair far too often for him to hold on much longer.
He closed his eyes, and hoped his strength would hold out.
The storm was building fast, with the wind howling as the
ships chair was caught in a hurricane force nine gale. He
hung onto Wallie for as long as he could in the rough seas,
but growing weaker with every second. Wind had picked up
again, the sea was raging with anger. Thunder and lightning
flashed across the dark skies. Wallie slipped off the chair and
drifted away, John couldnt hold him any longer. He was too
weak himself, but it didnt take long for him to eventually
slip off the chair.
In his weakened state, he too was carried away in a daze.
He felt himself beginning tossed around in the wild seas.
One last whip and toss, he found himself almost drowning
too weary to fight.
He woke up with his legs in the shallow water and his
face in the wet sand. John lay there for some time, feeling
like a wet rag. He was completely exhausted, he couldnt
ever remember being so weak, or how long hed been lying
here. Gathering all the strength he could muster, he managed
to drag himself up the beach towards the tree line. It was too
hot to move about, he struggled to keep his eyes open any
longer. He quickly fell asleep under a jungle bush for shade.
Loud screaming and shouting woke John from his deep
sleep. With half open eyes, he looked across and down the

beach. He saw men chasing toys with huge fishermens

landing nets. The toys were quickly scooped up and tipped
into sacks before they were carried away to their boat
anchored in the bay. He couldnt believe his eyes, he knew
he was too weak to help. John tried to cry out, but all that
came out was a dry croaking sound. He tried to stand, but he
knew he was only wasting his time if he tried again. With no
energy left, and all his strength gone, all he could do was
watch with wet eyes. How the toys had to suffer as they
fought for their freedom. The four humans dashed back on
board their boat with their bulky sack full of toys. They
quickly pulled the anchor up; within minutes the boat set
sail. John was so exhausted he fell asleep at once. His
dreams took him in and out of his restless nightmares.
His low cries gave himself away, as she approached
along the beach to where he was sleeping still under the
bush.
She called out he woke with a jerk, as her voice called
out a second time. Thinking it was the humans coming for
him, he rolled over trying to hide. But it was a weak effort
on his part, as he was confused.
Hello, have you been here long? she asked. I take it
youve already realised this is a Magical Island where all
the toys can walk and talk like humans, she straightened her
nurses uniform. You wont know this, but this island has
passed through the history of time, unknown for years. Shall
I carry on? I really dont want to bore you, when youve just
got here, she said with a smile. John tried to speak, but the
words wouldnt come out. He nodded for yes, feeling a little
stupid.
This island is so far away from anywhere, its been
missed so many times before. We believe its been forgotten.
This is the biggest island in the group, its just north of the
smaller islands. The toys call this Toy Island so whats
your name? Yes, I know I talk too much, but we dont have
time to waste here, she said quickly.

Still half asleep John, he answered as he shook his

head to make soon sense of it all. Where am I? he asked,
as he looked around for the surprise, yet to come.
This is Toy Island the toys come here, when theyve
been lost at sea. But our freedom is always in danger. Have
you been here long, John? she asked a second time.
I was washed ashore yesterday, I crawled up the beach.
Thats when I realised I could walk and talk. I saw many
toys captured and taken away by the humans in their boat.
Was there anybody else with you? she asked, as she
looked up and down the beach.
Im sorry to say, I lost my best friend at sea in bad
weather two days ago. I tried to hold onto him, but I was too
tired and weak myself to hold him any longer. He just
slipped away from me, to lose Wallie so soon, it really hurt
me, Im finding it hard to forgive myself, it broke my heart
just thinking of him. We spent so many hours together in that
dark toy box, thats how we became good friends, he said.
Im sorry to hear about your friend, but things happen
all the time here. My names Nancy. Whos Wallie? she
asked.
Wallie is a baby whale, I feel so sad to lose him so
early, John held his head down.
Can you stand and walk? You know, John, we cant
dwell on the past here. We dont have time for that, every
day our freedom is threaten. You have to grab what life has
to offer here. But as you know we dont have a choice, now
youre here, Nancy said.
I realise that, Nancy, Im just a little upset about losing
my friend Wallie so early. You could tell he was feeling a
little guilty. With a huge effort John got to his feet, a little
uneasy.
Come on, John, you can meet toys well whats left
us, now the hunters have gone. They come here from timeto-time, taking the toys to sell. But what can we do to stop
them; were only toys like you, John, washed up on the

beach. We sleep on the beach, most of us in big coconut

shells, ah look! Nancy looked along the beach, and pointed.
Look the toys are coming to meet us, she said. She
supported John as they both walked along the beach.
Everybody, this is John. Hes just got here, hes already
lost his best friend Wallie only a few days ago. Hes a little
sad, but hes okay, she uttered. The toys turned around and
made their way back along the beach. Nancy led the way
with John by her side. This is what we call Toy Bay, its
where we play and sleep. You can have a wonderful life
here, its only the so-called Toy Hunter that spoil it for us
here. You know, John, on this Magical Island, it gives us
many opportunities. So okay we dont last long but at least
weve tried even if its only for a short while. As long as we
can see the island, and youre a toy, it means you can walk
and talk like any human. Many of the islands toys have
come from ships sunk in the Second World War when ships
were sunk almost on a daily basis, when torpedoes were
fired into the ships hull, Nancy had finished, as she waved
her hands over the Toy Bay.
Suddenly another voice took over to give Nancy a rest.
But it wasnt always like that, every so often the hunters
would and raid the islands, in the group just for toys to sell.
They dont care about the toys feelings, all the hunters
wanted was the money. The toys would end up in auction
anywhere in the world, but always going to the highest
bidder. The hunters would sneak onto the island, very early
in the morning with their nets and sacks. Often the attack and
capture of toys was sometimes with sticks driving them into
sacks. It was a cruel and callous act, it was only with some
of the toys escaping to tell the tale, but many remember what
the hunters are capable of in their lust to catch us, said
Susan, as she had taken over from Nancy to give her a rest.
So Nancy with a deep breath went on to explain where
Susan left off. When the hunters are around the toys are
never safe. We took to hiding, trying to make it harder for
the hunters to find and catch us. Where it became of hide-

and-seek, only with no end in sight for us, only capture. The
winners are always The Toy Hunters. Every time they
come here, snatching toys on a weekly basis. Nancy had
laid out the full situation in detail.
John, the toy soldier, as he got to be known by the
islands toys. He was welcomed into the group like a long
lost family friend. He always said to himself, while youre
marching youll not be fighting unless youre hiding. That
way youll always make it harder for them to find us. As
John settled into his new home, he soon realised, its a new
way of life here. He was told his time here was his own to
live how he liked. What more could any toy ask for, when
the sun starts to sink, leaving the sky with a red glow for the
toys to watch. For all the toys who can walk and talk like
humans its magic here. They could sit on the warm sand,
watching the stars coming out at night. Never has John seen
such wonders, to him its truly magic. For everyday living
theyd collected berries and fruit from trees, but always from
the edge of the jungle. The toys never go into the jungle day
or night, its very frightening for them. Using only the moon
for light, we all made our way to bed inside our coconut
shells. Thats the only the place where the toys feel safe at
night. Never in the history of Toy Island has anybody
wanted to leave this wonderful place. All the toys are happy
living here, they have everything at their fingertips. Its truly
paradise for the toys here. Every morning the toys go down
to the sea to wash, and play in the water. Its the highlight of
the day, when everybody meets one another. Life here is one
long holiday. One of the games the toys play is to explore
the outer part of the jungle edge. They never pass the tree
line, they say big-big monsters live in there. Most toys sleep
very close to the seashore, thats the only way they feel safe
from the outside world.
When John asked, What do the monsters look like?
Funny they didnt know, theyve never seen them. So how
do you know the monsters are still here? When nobody has
seen them, only tracks in the sand from time to time to show
theyre still coming and going.

Most of the time, the toys only explore the beach. They
go looking for precious things along the tree line. They never
find much, maybe a few pure white pebbles, but nothing of
real value, but of pecan nuts are washed ashore by the bucket
full. The toys said if you want wood, it comes in all shapes
and sizes. Every morning you see more wood washed up on
the sand, nearly all around the island. Ropes and old fishing
nets come in a good second best, all the nets damaged and
mostly ripped to bits.
Quick! Quick! Everybody out of the water, he
shouted. He was waving his arms around violently, trying to
get all the toys out of the water. Its Sammy the Shark!
Hes swimming over there. Come on! Come on! Hurry up
just in case hes feeling hungry, shouted Paul the
Policeman. He turned to John. You see on this island of lost
toys, they all can shout, so lets hear you shout toys. Paul
nodded to John to watch and listen. The toys watched
Sammy swim around in the bay looking for food.
Go away Sammy, go away Sammy. All the toys
shouted. We dont want you here, as he swam around
looking for someone to eat.
Paul the policeman told everybody to stay out of the
water, till Sammy has gone. Its not often he comes
swimming round Toy Bay so watch out when hes about.
Hes very crafty, when you dont expect it, Sammy will
swim in and eat you up, Paul said. Looking at John as a
future warning.
If Sammy the Shark is feeling hungry, he wont get
anything to eat here, shouted Jack the Fireman.
Nothing to eat here, all the toys all shouted out
together.
Look! Its a Whale, hes chasing Sammy away. Good
old Whale, Sally the showgirl shouted. Youd better be
careful when Sammy is swimming about in Toy Bay. Hes
always pretending he doesnt care, but all the toys know
Sammy, only too well. When youre not looking hell dart
in and gobble you up in seconds. But for now, we must all

stay out of the water, and play on the sand where its safe. So
now John, you know what to look for in future, Sally said
with a wave of her hand.
One of the games the toys play, when Sammy is about
is to see who can build the tallest sandcastle, using only
coconut shells as buckets. All day long the toys worked and
played in the sunshine. All the toys enjoyed days like this,
its so much fun. It also takes your mind off the danger out at
sea. Billy the bank manager, hes acting as judge for the
day. They say hes a very clever man, his girlfriend Dolly,
shes very beautiful, tall and slim with red hair and blue
eyes. Shes a peach of a looker the toys hinted she was on
the catwalk in Paris and Rome. They believe she was a top
model in London, before the ship she was on, was lost at sea.
Sunk theyve been told, but not so long after the word
scuttled was mentioned. It has nothing to do with us, were
only toys, but it makes you think.
The toys got John to build his first sandcastle, he at the
same time he was listening to all the chatter around him. He
was amazed, how the toys talked about every day gossip and
idle talk. His arms still hurt, from the time hed held onto the
chair, and his friend Wallie.

2
The Explorer
Building sandcastles is something soldiers dont do, but he
enjoyed it. If nothing else, it was another string to his bow.
With the other toys around him, John was learning all the
time about life, here on Toy Island.
Billy, Dolly shouts. Do you like my sandcastle? Its
ever so tall? She calls out with her statue-like pose. She was
standing there, looking very glamorous with her catlike eyes.
Now you know, Dolly, I cant say anything till
everybodys finished building their sandcastles. It wouldnt
be fair, said Billy. As he walked around, he cast his eyes
over the rest of the castles.
Everybody, stop building your sandcastles Billy will
judge the best for the day, called Paul the policeman as he
followed Billy around on his inspection. Billy walked around
looking at all the sandcastles. He was taking his time, he
wanted to make sure he picks the best one for the day. He
points to Johns sandcastle.
This is the best one, Billy steps forward, while still
pointing at Johns castle, and shakes his hand as the winner.
The winners award is a beer bottle top, which Billy
handed over to him with a smile.
I think its magnificent. Billy shook Johns hand again.
Attention everybody? Paul shouted. Can you be
quiet, thank you, he shouted out. Everybody, its safe to go
back into the sea again. Sammy the Shark has gone. Paul
turned back to the sea again, just to make sure it was safe.
Johns thoughts made him step back and think about
Wallie the whale. Could that be my pal Wallie? as he
watched him swim away.

Hooray! All the toys shouted, they were happy

again. With a mad dash into the sea, all the toys were
laughing and splashing water over one another. Thats the
fun part, when you live on a desert island in the middle of
the ocean. You can do what you like, and nobody will tell
you off.
Lets play another game? Tommy the farmer said.
We could go along the beach searching for things of value.
You never know what we might find, he said with his finger
pointing along the seashore.
Can you hang on a minute? John asked. I want to
make sure, and see if thats my friend? Turning towards the
eddying tide, standing on the beach, he shouted across the
water. Wallie! Wallie! he shouted. John waves as the
whale swim in. He paddles out to meet him, in shallow
waters. Wallie, is that really you? I wasnt sure if that was
you, John stood looking at him, his huge tail slaps on the
water for Yes.
John was overjoyed, and glad to see his friend again. He
slipped both arms around his neck, giving him one mighty
hug. I thought Id lost you forever, are you feeling alright?
Youre not hurt are you? Im sorry I couldnt hold you any
longer. I was too weak.
Wallie shot a huge jet of water high into the air, to show
John he was alright and unhurt. He understood how things
turned out for both of them.
Hey, Wallie, this is better than some old dark toy box
we were kept in? John said. With a big smile, he put his
arms around Wallies neck for the second time. With another
great hug before he swims away.
Bye, Wallie, see you later, with his big tail hitting the
water, making aloud slapping noise, as he heads out to sea.
Theyd all agreed to go beach combing before John went to
meet Wallie. Once again, they all set off looking for treasure
along the waters edge.

Keep both eyes open for Sammy the shark and

anything of value, Tommy said as they walked along.
Im king of the castle, shouted John, as he stood on top
of a large mound. All the toys laughed as they tried to climb
up and join him. With a sudden movement the mound
moved. Most of the toys fell off laughing, but John clung on
for dear life, as the mound headed out into deeper water.
Jump, John, remember Sammy the shark, all the toys
shouted out. But he lost his balance and slid down the side of
the moving mound.
What is it? They all cried out a little frighten, as they
watched it move into shallow waters. It was only when Paul
stepped forward to answer their question.
Its a Sea Turtle, he said as it entered into deeper
waters.
Its big? John said. As they all watched it swim out to
sea.
Its not that big, said Paul. Its us lot, who are small.
Remember were only toys who can walk and talk, on this
Magic Island in the middle of the ocean.
They set off a second time, along the beach still looking
for treasure. There in the surf the toys found a bottle with a
note inside. It took two to pull the cork out as it was swollen
by sea water. It took four to unroll the note, so it could be
read. With one toy at each corner, it was Paul who did the
reading while we all listened.
The note, says help me, Im stuck on a desert island,
with very little food. Need help quick. The Toy Hunters are
after me, they want to sell me at auction for money, signed
Little Ted.
Well the only trouble with that, is which desert island
hes on? John lifted his head, you could see the slight hint
of defeat in his eyes.
Come on were doing no good here, said Billy. We
should move on. Slowly the toys moved along the seashore
looking for anything that could be classed as valuable to