06-IF MY FRIENDS COULD SEE ME NOW

IF MY FRIENDS COULD SEE ME NOW We found the general store in the center of town. Inside, a short, stocky mouse greeted us. "Howdy, strangers! Welcome to BLUNT RAT BOB'S!" he squeaked. "Bob's the name. Stuff is my game. And, strangers, do you look like you need some stuff! Those duds you're wearing look ridiculous!" I stared down at my suit. I guess I did look out of place. But ridiculous? No way. Meanwhile, Bob had run off. He returned a few minutes later with a pawful of CLOTHES.

I pulled on a pair of leather pants, boots with spurs, a checkered shirt, and a cowrat hat. Then I looked at myself in the mirror. I must admit, I looked pretty cool. I felt just like a real COWRAT. "If only my friends at The Rodent's Gazette could see me now." My family seemed just as excited. Benjamin jumped up and down. "If only my friends at school could see me now!" he exclaimed. Trap wiggled his tail. "If only my friends down at the Squeak and Chew could see me now," he chuckled. Thea winked at her own reflection. Then she tried to take a step. She tried to jump. She tried to run. But her dress was so long she couldn't move. Instead, she fell flat on her snout! "Thank goodness my friends can't see me

now," she snorted. She had Bob bring her a pair of pants, a shirt, and a pretty bandanna. "That's better," she nodded. "Now all I need is a HORSE and I'm ready for ACTION." Bob pointed to four horses in front of his store. He piled other supplies on the counter. I counted four saddles, four blankets, four canteens, four bowls, four spoons, and far too many cans of baked beans. Did I mention I have sensitive stomach?