21-SPEAKING OF MUMMIES

SPEAKING OF MUMMIES... The professor slopped me on the shoulder. "Did you like my jokes?" he asked. "And who are you, anyway?" "The name is Stilton, Geronimo Stilton," I said. Creepella walked up and kissed me on the snout. "Isn't he sweet?" she asked. "He and I are getting married." I cleared my throat. "Actually, we are not—" But Professor Frankenstein interrupted me. "So this is your latest VICTIM —I mean fiancé," he said. "What is your name again? Gabriel?"

"Geronimo!" I said. He pinched my cheek. "So when will the wedding be, Gideon?" "NEVER!" I said firmly. He ignored me. "Well, then, Gerald, you had better treat my little Creepella well. If anyone dares to treat my granddaughter badly, I will turn him into a MUMMY!" He waved his cane. The Cacklefurs all agreed. "That's right! We pity the mouse who mistreats our Creepella!" I was quaking in my fur. "Of course, Professor," I said. "I will treat Creepella well. Rodent's word of honor!" Professor Frankenstein pulled a watch from his pocket. "I must go, my dear Gary," he said. "The mummy of the great Tutankhamouse has arrived. I must get to work!"

Before the professor left, he told another joke. "Why did the werewolf cross the road? To eat the chicken on the other side. With that, he limped down the hallway, still laughing. Chef Stewrat came up to me. "I should get started on your wedding cake. Stew cake with stew frosting, of course. When will the wedding be?" "NEVER!" I yelled at the top of my voice. The Cacklefurs all stared at me. "That Geronimo Stilton is a strange mouse! they whispered.