09-MOUSE OVERBOOOARD!

MOUSE OVERBOOOARD! It was eleven o'clock at night, and I was standing watch at the helm. "Everything all right, Geronimeister?" asked Thea. "It would be even better if you didn't call me Geronimeister!" I squeaked. It was getting colder. WAS THE WEATHER GOING TO CHANGE? I lifted my snout to look at the clouds, but just then the boat tipped and the boom hit me on the back. Before you could SAY "Grilled cheese on rye, hold the tomato!" I was knocked overboard. I didn't even have a chance to

squeak! The boat sailed away from me as I floundered in the waves. Fortunately, Thea had seen me go over. "Mouse overboooard!!" she shrieked. Immediately, all the lights came on, and the Lucky Lady turned toward me. Trap switched on a searchlight. "HELP! Over here!" I cried, waving my paws. The waves were throwing me up and down like a Ratty Ann doll in a clothes dryer. Cold water seeped into my fur. My teeth began chattering so hard I thought they would bounce right out of my mouth. "There he is!" I heard someone shout. Suddenly, I was flooded with light.

They had spotted me! Benjamin threw me a line, but I couldn't catch it. Then I felt a strong paw grab me by the ears. It was Trap! "Come on, Cousin! Grab hold of my tail!" he screamed. He dragged me back to the Lucky Lady. Ben and Thea lowered a rope ladder. Splat! I spat out a spray of water and opened my eyes. Trap was jumping up and down on my stomach. HE's ALIVE... HE's ALIVE!" cried my cousin.

My ears were BLUE from the cold. Thea was holding my paw. Tears shone in her eyes. "Uncle Trap, you really are a hero!" Ben exclaimed. "Really, Trap, we don't know how to thank you!" Thea added gratefully. Trap was blushing. "Oh, it's nothing, ratlings. Just another day for me. Don't mention it." He shrugged. He strode away, WHISTLING the theme song from his favorite TV show, X-Mouse. What a character! Trap pretends to be tough, but he is really a total softie. In fact, I'd say he's just as soft as my aunt Ratilda's homemade cream cheese!