20-GOOD-BYE BUTTERFLY!

GOOD-BYE, BUTTERFLY! Finally, I heard a rustling sound. It was Benjamin! I was so happy, I began squeaking like the head cheerleader at a ratball game. "I was worried about you!" I cried, giving him a hug. I was worried about myself, too. One more minute alone in the dark and I'd have gone completely nuts. "Uncle!" Benjamin cried now, grabbing my paw. "I saw it! I saw the Valley of the Cheesettes! It was unbelievable! It was amazing! It was more beautiful than a room full of cheddar bars!" "I'm so PROUD of you, Benjamin," I squeaked. And I was. That nephew of mine really was one brave little rodent.

I peeked through the narrow hole, trying to catch a glimpse of the valley. But it was too dark. "Don't worry, Uncle," BENJAMIN TOLD ME. "I took lots of pictures." It was time to go. I couldn't wait to tell the others our news. "Good- bye, Butterfly!" Benjamin called over his shoulder. "Thanks for the tour!" We headed back through the cave. I followed a small light up ahead. It was the entrance to the cave. Then, suddenly, a low RUMBLING shook the walls. Rocks began to crumble down around us. "Cheese niblets!" I shrieked. "It's an

avalanche! Run quick, Nephew, or we'll be trapped inside!" Just then, an enormouse boulder struck Benjamin, and he fainted. I was terrified. I chewed my whiskers. I twisted my tail up in knots. I cried twenty buckets of tears. Then a rock hit me on the head. It must have knocked some sense into me. This was no time to feel sorry for myself. I had to save my nephew! With a GROAN, I lifted Benjamin onto my shoulder. Did I mention I'm not the strongest mouse on the block? Still, fear must have given me strength. I raced for the exit like an Olympic trackrat champion. Just as I ran out of the cave, a huge boulder blocked the entrance. Right then, Benjamin opened his eyes. uncle Geronimo, thank you for saving

my life," he grinned. "You're a real HERO!" I smiled back. I wasn't about to tell him how scared I had been. After all, it wouldn't be nice to disappoint him. "Don't mention it," I shrugged, untwisting my tail. Back at camp, my dear relatives Thea and Trap were busy. No, they weren't busy worrying about us. They were busy snoring away! "Wake up, wake uuup!" Benjamin shrieked. "We found the Eighth Wonder of the World! The two sleepyheads were up in a flash.