The Great Escape

The Great Escape

Thumbelina and Pete were in trouble. “Thumbelina, go back to my house!” Mrs. Gray yelled. “Slim? Down here!” Mr. Rufus shouted. “Mr. Rufus, please,” begged Thumbelina. “The bird is my friend.” Mr. Rufus waved his cane. “I promised Slim. And I always keep my promises,” he said firmly.

Go put on your dress, Thumbelina,” said Mrs. Gray, looking at her watch. “It’s almost time for the wedding.” “I won’t marry him!” Thumbelina shouted. Then Mrs. Gray saw the dress on the ground. It was covered in food and mud.

“Thumbelina, is that your wedding dress?” she gasped. She held up the dress. It’s ruined! And you gave this bird my food?” Well, that was a waste of time,” grunted the mole. “Slim is going to eat him anyway.” Suddenly a big hairy paw pushed down through the hole.

“Smells like that bird is alive, Rufus! All the better!” growled Slim. Pete stared at the coyote’s sharp claws above him. He froze with fear. Thumbelina had to think fast. The coyote was almost through the hole. Thumbelina had an idea and began to sing to Pete.

“Pete, listen to me,” she sang. “Huh? What?” Pete stared at Thumbelina. He looked confused. “Where did you learn that song?” Thumbelina remembered the secret talking songs from Kris and Maggie. She was singing: “I will wave my wedding dress. The coyote will be confused. Then quickly fly up as fast as you can. I’ll hang onto you.”