4 ONE-TWO PUNCH!

CHAPTER 4 ONE-TWO PUNCH! Alexander soon found himself at Stermont Elementary. There was no one else around. I must be late, he thought. He headed toward the door but then froze. Two balloon goons were wobbling there one blue and one green. Alexander took a big deep breath. As he stepped between the balloons, he saw words printed on them. The blue balloon said PARDON, and the green one said OUR DUST. Alexander looked down but didn't see any dust.

There was a tug on his backpack. He looked over his shoulder and saw a flappy blue arm tangled in the straps. Alexander untwisted the wiggling arm and turned to see...

...the green balloon goon's big, ugly face!

"Whoa!" Alexander shouted. The goon's nose pressed right up against Alexander's. Then FOOWIP! Alexander was clobbered on the head, from behind. It felt like he'd been socked by a boxing glove. He spun around just in time to be hit in the face. FOOMP! Alexander stumbled and fell backward. Both balloons leaned over Alexander, grinning. Their long, wobbly arms swooped in and grabbed at his jacket. Alexander tried to kick them away, but the green one wrapped its arm around his ankle. Alexander's shoe came off as he tried to wriggle free.

KER-SMASH!!! A loud crashing sound came from inside the school. The balloon goons instantly let go of Alexander. They snapped upright. Alexander scrambled to his feet and ran into the school. His heart was pounding as he yanked the door shut behind him.