15-WHO WILL VOLUNTEER？

WHO WILL VOLUNTEER? Then a voice rose up from the crowd. It was the old lady teacher, Miss Firm Fur. "Citizens of Cactus City, you should be ashamed of yourselves!" she cried, waving her cane in the air. "This gunmouse is just a big old bully. Who will stand up to him? I need a strong VOLUNTEER to step forward." Suddenly, someone pushed me from behind. I should have known. It was my cousin Trap. "Don't push me! I can't stand it when you push me!" I screeched.

Meanwhile, the teacher watched me with an approving eye. "Well done, stranger! I knew you were COURAGEOUS. You are strong! Yes, you are very strong!" she said. The crowd repeated, "The stranger is strong! He is very strong!" I TURNED PALE. "But I am not strong, and I am not COURAGEOUS, either," I tried to explain. No one was listening.

"Come on, 'fraidy mouse, don't embarrass the Stilton family!" Thea ordered. I felt faint. I thought family was supposed to stick by you. But my family was trying to get me killed! The gunmouse approached me. He took off his sunglasses and stuck his face close to mine. His eyes were as green as a KILLER COBRA'S. My head began to pound. Oh, how did I get myself into such a mess? "What's your name, stranger?" the gunmouse asked. I told him. It wasn't easy. My teeth were chattering so hard, I felt like I was squeaking another language. "My name is WICKED WHISKERS," the gunmouse snarled. "And I'm going to

make you sorry you ever came to Cactus City!" I gulped. I was already sorry. I was so sorry, I wanted to break into sobs like a baby mouselet. But how could I? The citizens of Cactus City were counting on me. "I challenge you to a RODEO match at my ranch. Whoever can ride and tame Bessie wins!" the gunmouse declared. "If you win, I'll leave Cactus City forever." I looked around me. The rodents of Cactus City were staring at me, worried. I was their last hope. I had no choice. I accepted the challenge. After all, I told myself, how bad could an animal named Bessie be?