26-PICTURE THIS

PICTURE THIS ... We started on our way back. Lucky for me, it was all downhill. My paws couldn't take any more climbing. As soon as we reached KATHMANDU, Thea sent out a special report. It would be front-page news. At last, our plane landed on Mouse Island. A crowd of photographers was already waiting for us. "Mr. Stilton, a question, please!" "How did you find the mammoth?" "Geronimo! Would you care to give an interview to Top TV?" they called out. Trap tried to answer in my place. He loved

being in the spotlight. "Why don't you interview me?" he suggested. "I was there, too, you know." But the journalists didn't give him a second glance. "Please, listen, everyone. I said. "I would like to dedicate this discovery to Professor Paws von Volte Unfortunately, he cannot be with us today." Then I began to tell my story. "When I found the WOOLLY MAMMOTH in the block of ice, I was with my nephew Benjamin...."

Benjamin was drowned in photographs. I put my paw around Thea. "My sister has filmed a wonderful piece, which will be shown on television this evening Everyone took pictures of Thea. Just then, my secretary, Mousella, made her way through the crowd. "Mr. Stilton!" she yelled. "Today's edition has sold out! It's an absolute RECORD!" Through the crowd, I saw the face of Sally Ratmousen. editor of The Daily Rat. She was green with envy at my success! "Mr. Stilton!" squeaked a gray rat with a camera. "Could we take your picture?" Out of the corner of my eye. I caught a glimpse of my cousin. He was standing all by himself. He looked Sad and lonely. A wave of kindness rushed over me. I know he can be a rotten pain in my fur, but

Trap is still my relative. And my friend. I turned to the rat with the camera. "I would be happy to have my picture taken. But I would like all of my family members to be with me." Then I waved Trap over. My cousin was thrilled. He threw his paws around me. And that's when the photographer snapped the picture. Trap began to sing happily: "What a sensational success, We're the darlings of the press! Despite the cold and the stress, My cousin made it nonetheless!"