21-HUNDREDS, THOUSANDS, MILLIONS OF BUTTERFLIES

HUNDREDS, THOUSANDS, MILLIONS OF BUTTERFLIES Benjamin told us all about his incredible adventure. It seems our little butterfly friend had taken him to the top of a mountain peak. It overlooked a valley. The valley was long and wide. It glowed in a bright yellow light. It was so bright at first that Benjamin covered his eyes. But when he opened them, he saw the most amazing thing. There wasn't really a light at all. There were just yellow butterflies. Hundreds and thousands and millions of butterflies! "And when they flapped their wings, it smelled just like cheese!" Benjamin exclaimed.

The butterflies were very friendly. They even sat on Benjamin's nose. "I took lots of pictures," he finished. "I even took one of myself using the self-timer. Wait till you see it!" Thea clapped her paws. "This is fabumouse!" she shrieked. "We're all going to be famouse. I'll write the best story ever. It will sell like hot cheese buns in a blizzard!" Trap jumped to his paws. "I've got an even better idea!" he announced. "First we catch a whole bunch of those butterflies. Then we smash them into a book. Then we FRAME each one. We'll make a bundle!" I shook my head. Only my rotten cousin would think of squishing those beautiful butterflies. He would do anything for money. Benjamin looked horrified. He turned to me with tears in his eyes.

"Don't worry, Nephew," I soothed. "No one is going to lay a paw on the butterflies." I shot Trap a look. "Besides," I added. "There was an avalanche. The entrance to the cave is blocked forever." Thea agreed we didn't need the real butterflies. BENJAMIN'S PICTURES WOULD TELL THE WHOLE STORY. She took the camera and rolls of film from my nephew. Then she carefully slipped them into a plastic bag. Those PHOTOGRAPHS were more precious than cheese. They were the only proof of our discovery. Trap insisted on carrying the bag. I wasn't surprised. My cousin likes to feel important.

"Well, my work here is done. I found the VALLEY OF THE CHEESETTES," he declared. "Now, let's go home!" I was too tired to correct him. Besides, we all knew Benjamin had really found the valley. We packed up our stuff and headed home. The trip was long and painful. I poked myself in the eye on the speedboat. I was trying to cover my glasses. I didn't want to see the scary waves. Then I sprained my ankle jumping out of the jeep. Thea drove so fast, I just had to get out. And I fainted on the airplane. We hadn't even taken off. I guess just thinking about my sister's tricks up in the air was enough to do me in. The only thing that kept me going was the countess. Yes, adoring and sweet Stephanie von Sugarfur. Soon I