08-A MYSTERY ON BOARD

A MYSTERY ON BOARD At dawn, on the sixteenth day of sailing, we were almost halfway to Treasure Island. After my watch, I went down to the galley, where we had stored all of our food. That's when I discovered the bread crumbs on the floor. Strange, very strange, I thought. The trail of crumbs led to a barrel full of APPLES. I lifted the barrel's lid. Inside, I found five chewed-up apple cores! Did we have a stowaway

on board? I decided not to say anything to the others. Not yet, anyway. If I was wrong, they would MAKE FUN OF ME FOR THE REST OF THE TRIP! The next night, when everyone was asleep, I sprinkled some baby powder in front of the kitchen door. Then I tied a piece of thread to the doorknob. Early the next morning I went down to check. Just as I'd thought! The thread had been broken! Yep, it sure looked like someone had been sticking their paws in the old Cheese Bit jar! Then I noticed the paw prints in the

powder. How odd! They were very, very small. Could they belong to a dwarf mouse? I decided I had to do something before the little thief ate us right out of houseboat and home! That night, I slept with my lucky baseball bat by my side. It was a present from Slugrat Jones, also known as Sluggy, an old rat friend of mine who plays professional baseball. If that stowaway came after me, I'd be ready for him! It was one o'clock in the morning when I finally heard creaking sounds coming from

the kitchen. I put on my glasses. Then I grabbed a flashlight with my right paw and the bat with my left. When I got downstairs, the sneaky thief was opening the fridge. I tiptoed toward him and switched on the light. "Aha!" I cried, ready to strike. Then my mouth dropped open. It was my nephew Benjamin, happily munching on a Cheesy Chew! "Hello, Uncle!" he squeaked, flinging his paws around my neck. He kissed me on the tip of my snout. "Aren't you glad to see me?" "BUT WHY... BUT HOW... BUT WHEN...

I MEAN, WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?" I stammered. "I promise to make myself useful!" he cried. "I'll sweep the deck, fold your clothes, stack your hats. Did you know I am a champion stacker? I got an A+ in stacking at Little Tails Academy when I was in kindergarten. And I'll be your secretary, too, so when you go back you can write a wonderful book!" There was only one thing to do. I gave him a giant mouse hug. "I love you very much, Benjamin," I said. "And I am very glad you are here!"