27-A TIN STAR IN SEARCH OF A SHERIFF

A TIN STAR IN SEARCH OF A SHERIFF Back in Cactus City, the judge held a meeting. "This tin star is in search of a sheriff," he announced. "We need a STRONG cowrat to defend our rights." The rodents of Cactus City nodded. Just then a schoolhouse ran over to me. "The stranger is a strong cowrat," he said. "He COULD BE OUR NEW SHERIFF." He placed the tin star in my paw.

I thanked him. I was HENERED. But I knew that I couldn't stay in Cactus City. After all, I had a newspaper to run back home. And what about my subscription to the Cheese-of-the-Month Club? I couldn't let all that good food go to waste. "Why don't you choose our new sheriff," the judge suggested. I looked around at the crowd. Everyone was quiet. They were waiting. Waiting for me to make a decision. My head started POUNDING. I hate being put on the spot. What if I made a mistake?

What if everyone laughed at me? What if I had permanent hat head when I left Cactus City? But that was another story. There wasn't time to worry about it now. At that moment, I spotted Mick Muscle Mouse. I grinned. Mick was the perfect mouse for the job. He was strong. He was brave. He knew right from wrong.

I THREW the star to Mick. He caught it in midair. "You are the perfect SHERIFF for this city, friend," I said. Tears SPRANG to Mick's eyes. Anyone could see he was a big mouse with A BIG HEART. "I'll do my best to earn your RESPECT," Mick said to the crowd. Everyone cheered.

Suddenly, a swirling cloud of dust enveloped me. My head started spinning. My heart started racing. What was happening? I felt like I was flying, but I wasn't sitting in a cozy seat watching a movie. I wasn't even on an airplane! I LET OUT A SCREAM...

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!