15-LINE UP!

LINE Up! That night, we slept in the big TREE on the other side of the waterfall. We lay in a hollow where two branches joined. Our backs were pressed together for support. Still, I didn't sleep a wink. I was too afraid of falling out of the tree. Next morning, we all gathered for a meeting. We had to decide who would be in charge on the island. "We will vote by a show of paws!" I said. Of course, Trap voted for himself. Thea voted for me. And Benjamin and I gave our votes to Thea. My sister cleared her throat. "Friends, I want you to know you won't regret your

choice," she said, wiping away a small tear. Then... "Line up now!" she shouted. "I will begin by assigning your duties. At noon, you will report to me and you will be on time! When I say noon, I mean noon! Not one minute before, not one minute later! IS THAT QUITE CLEAR? I don't hear you!!!" "Ugh! She's already gotten a swollen head! I knew I was right to vote for myself," muttered Trap under his whiskers. Thea was walking up and down the beach. "We shall build a shelter under the TREE. It will take us two, no, three days to finish it. Then we leave in search of the Emerald Eye!" Trap's eyes lit up again. "The treasure! Now you're talking!" He grinned.

In the meantime, Thea had grabbed a sheet of paper and was scribbling down tasks for all of us. "Geronimo, you will take care of provisions. You'll gather fruit, berries, and roots. You'll also fish for crabs. Trap, you will be head chef." "EXCELLENT CHOICE, BOSS! Just wait till you see what tasty dishes I can prepare! Whisker-licking good!" said my cousin cheerfully. "Benjamin, you will help me build our shelter under the TREE," Thea continued, without missing a beat. "And now, get going!" Friends together! Mice forever!