13-RISKY RODENT TRAVELS

RISKY RODENT TRAVELS We climbed off the plane. A cute female mouse wearing a bikini greeted us. She hung a garland of flowers around each of our necks. "Welcome to Sweet Rose Island!" she squeaked. Outside the airport, we headed for the rental cars. That's when I spotted a dented old jeep with the words RISKY RODENT TRAVELS painted on the side. Suddenly, my stomach lurched. Why did I have a feeling that jeep was for us? I was right. Thea jumped on board in a flash. She and Trap had to haul me on kicking and squeaking. Oh, how had I gotten myself into this mess?

Thea sat behind the wheel. Then she turned the key. The jeep roared off with a SQUEAL OF TIRES. The journey seemed to last forever. Finally, the car stopped with a jolt. I gathered my last bit of strength and crawled out. To my horror, I realized we were at a harbor. Thea immediately jumped into a DANGEROUS-LOOKING pencil- thin speedboat. The others followed. But not me. Not this time. I dug in my heels. "I'm not getting in!" I shrieked. "Boats are bad enough. But I cannot get on a speedboat! It's just too scary!"

Just then, Trap let out a squeak. "Geronimo, look!" he cried, pointing to the bottom of the boat. "Someone left a copy of Ratty Potter. And it's signed by the author!" For a moment, I forgot where I was. I love Ratty Potter. He's a young mouse wizard who has all of these incredible adventures. I have read all the books in the series. It would be so amazing to get a copy signed by the author. I leaned over to get a better look into the boat. And that's when Trap grabbed my tail. He yanked me into the boat. I had been tricked! Thea started the engine. "Heeelp! I'm being mousenapped!" I shouted, terrified. But no one was around to hear me. No one except my family, that is. And they were

the ones doing the mousenapping! "Relax, big brother!" squeaked Thea, fastening her seat belt. "We're off to Butterfly Island! Get ready for an amazing time!"