19-I'LL RATOMIZE YOU!!

I'LL RATOMIZE YOU!! I was FURIOUS. I was fuming. I was hotter than my cousin's Spicy Bean Bonanza. I wanted to tell this mouse a couple of things: 1. I am not your pal. 2. Don't call me CHEESEBRAIN. But I kept my snout shut. First off, I'm not much of a fighting mouse. I like peace, love, and understanding. And secondly, I was scared silly. "So, um, why did you follow us?" I asked instead. The Whisk's grin spread from ear to ear. Yikes! He looked like a jack-o'-lantern with those rotten teeth. "We were at the diner. We heard your

friend here say he was searching for treasure. And we love treasure, don't we, Hairy?" he squeaked. I glanced at Trap. He looked like he was about to explode. Uh-oh. My cousin wasn't one to hold back. "Hey, you! Cheddarface! Subspecies of sewer rat! If I get my paws on you, I'll ratomize you!" he shouted, WHISKERS WHIRLING. The other mouse just kept sneering. He made a farewell gesture with his paw and squeaked, "So long, CHEESEBRAINS!

Catch ya later, Raromizer! we'll be back tomorrow to take that treasure!" Their boat moved away and dropped anchor about ten yards from us. I guess they were settling in for the night. Meanwhile, a strong wind began to rise. Dark clouds rolled in. Lightning filled the sky. I wasn't worried about Greedy Whiskers and Hairy anymore. I was worried... about the... approaching storm.