19-DEAREST UNCLE GERONIMO!

DEAREST UNCLE GERONIMO! I put my paw around my sister, "It's OK," I told her. "I'm just glad you believe me now." Right then, my young nephew Benjamin burst through the door. He ran toward me. Then he gave me a big hug. "Uncle Geronimo! Auntie Thea told me that a wicked mouse tried to trick us. He tried to take your place," he cried. "But no one could ever take your place, Uncle Geronimo. You're the best uncle ever! I grinned. "Thanks, my dear Benjamin. And you are the best nephew ever." Minutes later, the doorbell rang. This time it was my cousin Trap. Do you know him? Trap loves to tell awful jokes. And he loves to

play pranks on me. Still, he is a relative. And he does have a soft side. Sometimes... Of course, today Trap was as obnoxious as always. He strolled into Thea's house as if he owned it. He was stuffing his face. Oh, yes, one other thing you should know about my cousin. He loves to eat. Anything. Anytime.

Anywhere. This time it was chocolate Cheesy Chews. He popped one after another into his mouth. Then he wiped his sticky paws on my sister's fancy designer pillows. "Heard about your double trouble," Trap squeaked. "But don't worry, Cousinkins. That lookalike mouse couldn't fool me. I'd always recognize you. How could I forget that STENCH! Hee, hee, hee." I rolled my eyes. Did I mention my cousin can be extremely irritating? Normally, I would have been furious. But I was so happy to be with my family again that I decided to let it go. "I need your help," I told my family. "We

have to get The Rodent's Gazette back. We have to come up with some kind of scheme, some kind of strategy." Trap nodded in agreement. "Yes, that's right," he muttered. "We need some kind of cream, some kind of sight to see." Now it was Thea's turn to roll her eyes. "It's scheme and strategy, Trap," she corrected him. "Whatever," he said, waving his paw in the air, "Hey, I have an IDEA. We wait for this fake Geronimo to show up. Then we punch his lights out!" Thea rolled her eyes. "No violence, Trap!" she scolded. "It's uncivilized!" Trap scratched his head. "It's one shoe size?" he muttered. "Who's talking about shoes? fclnef. I know you love shopping for shoes, but we're trying to help Geronimo now.

Really, Thea. Get with the program!" With that, my sister began screaming at Trap. They chased each other around the house. Those two are like mold and cheese. They just don't get along. I watched the two of them fighting. Meanwhile, I was deep in thought. I was so angry with Sally Ratmousen and her fake Geronimo. I still could not believe my lookalike had fooled everyone. Even my family! "What a scoundrel!" I muttered out loud. "That mouse practically cloned me!" All of a sudden, Benjamin jumped up. "I've GOT IT, UNCLE!" he squeaked. LET'S USE SALLY RATMOUSE'S TRICK. ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS FIND A MOUSE THAT LOOKS JUST LIKE HER!"