4 STINK SAUCE

CHAPTER 4 STINK SAUCE Take your seats, dearies," said Dr. Tallow. "We'll begin our animal reports." Alexander sat next to a girl in a bunny shirt. "Hi, Dottie!" he said. Dottie had been around for a couple of monster battles, but she wasn't a member of the S.S.M.P at least, not yet. She gave Alexander a little wave.

"Dottie Rogers, why don't you start us off?" said Dr. Tallow. Dottie jumped up. "Sure! But first I need something from the classroom-pet zone," she said. Dr. Tallow led Dottie to a door at the back of the room. She punched a few numbers into a keypad, and the door swung open. Dottie stepped inside. Alexander knew this room well. It was lined with cages that held every kind of classroom pet. Dr. Tallow taught animal lessons in there.

Dottie came out cradling a white-and-brown rabbit. "My report is about the very cutest, cuddliest, fluffiest animals of ALL: bunnies!" she said. "They're super neat— and I've got the numbers to prove it!" "Excellent work," said Dr. Tallow. "Next up: Alexander Bopp." Alexander gave his report. He could tell he was talking too fast, but everyone seemed interested— especially Dr. Tallow.

"Terrific," Dr. Tallow said. "I didn't know salamanders could regrow lost legs. That could sure come in handy!" After a few more reports, it was Rip's turn. "Ladies, gentlemen, and weenies," he said to the class. "Prepare to be blown away by the Texas horned lizard!" He drew a spiky creature on the board. "This desert reptile can puff itself up," said Rip. "But that's not the coolest part... Let's say a hungry bad-guy animal is prowling around. The Texas horned lizard can protect itself by shooting blood from its eyes!" TEXAS HORNED LIZARD!

Students gasped. "Yes, yes— amazing!" Rip continued. "But it gets better! The blood is mixed with stuff that makes it taste and smell super gross. Let me show you!" Rip tore open his big box. Inside was a strange hat-and-goggles set. "Howdy, y'all!" said Rip, strapping on the headgear. "I'm the Texas horned lizard." Some students shifted in their seats. "Uh-oh," Rip continued. "Here comes a hungry coyote!"

He pulled out a crude doglike drawing and set it up on the bookcase. "Sure, Mr. Coyote, I look like a tasty snack," said Rip. "But how does THIS taste?!" GOOSH! He squeezed his squirt-soaker, blasting the coyote with red, stinky liquid. The coyote drooped. "Gross!" someone shouted. "Ew! That smells terrible!"