01-LATE AGAIN!

Geronimo Stilton LOST TREASURE OF THE EMERALD EYE

LATE AGAIN! "Putrid cheese puffs!" It was nine o'clock and I, Geronimo Stilton, was late for work — again! I rolled out of bed in a minute and was dressed in two. Pretty fast, considering I am really not a morning mouse. "CHEESE SLICES! I hate Monday mornings," I grumbled while brushing my teeth with Cheddar-flavored toothpaste. Then I hurried downstairs, stumbled over my tail, and tumbled all the way down to the door.

Thump! Thump! Thump! So much for being quiet as a mouse. The streets of New Mouse City, the capital of Mouse Island, were as noisy as ever. I guess everyone was late just like me. Cheese delivery trucks were everywhere, horns blasting. Mice, rats, and rodents of every size and shape raced by in cars, taxis, and Mouse Jordan sneakers. "Taxi!" I shouted, jumping into a cab. "Seventeen Swiss Cheese Center." Minutes later, we pulled up to my editorial office. Oh, yes, I forgot to tell you that I run a newspaper. It's called The Rodent's Gazette. I took the stairs two at a time and burst inside. What a workout! I was pooped. Maybe I shouldn't have canceled my membership at Rats La Lanne after all.

But before I could think about it, Mousella, my secretary, tackled me.

"Mr. Stilton, FINALLY!" she cried, her glasses dangling off one ear. "There is a crowd of rodents waiting to see you: the designers, the printers, the mouse who works the water cooler... and the editor in chief wants to speak with you Immediately." I headed to my desk. Mousella followed. "The copy machine is jammed," she continued. "Another mailroom mouse quit. And, Boss, don't forget you promised me a raise!" My head felt like it was about to explode. Even my whiskers hurt. I wouldn't wish this day on the meanest CAT ever!