13 HARD TO SEE

CHAPTER 13 HARD TO SEE Dottie looked where Alexander was pointing. "I see a treasure chest," she said. "Look next to the chest," said Alexander. There's a giant monster, Dottie!" said Rip. Dottie rolled her eyes. "Very funny," she said. Alexander's jaw dropped. "You don't see it?" "It has six... seven... eight noses!" said Rip. "Whoa! That's a lot of schnozzes!" "It's an octo-schnozz!" said Nikki.

Dottie frowned. "Play 'monsters' if you want, but I've got a golf game to finish." FWOP! The monster's noses disappeared into its shaggy fur. Except for the elephant trunk. HOO-RONNNNNK!!! The octo-schnozz dragged a dirty sack over to the chest. "We're wasting time, guys!" said Rip. "Let's go!" The S.S.M.P. watched Dottie trot off to play mini-golf with her cousins.

"Guys," said Alexander. "How could she not see—" HRUNNK! With a grunt, the monster pulled some items from the sack and tossed them in the chest. "My dad's tuna salad!" said Alexander. "Mr. Hoarsely's grody, old sponge!" said Rip. The missing milk cartons!" said Nikki. Alexander climbed up the anchor for a better look. "The whole chest is full of garbage!" he said. "The schnozz has been stealing stinky stuff from all over town!"

"Is it eating the garbage?" asked Rip, scratching his ears. "How? It doesn't have a mouth," said Nikki. FWOP! The octo- schnozz's elephant trunk became a bloodhound snout. It took a long sniff of the smelly treasure, and made a purring sound. "That thing loves bad smells!" said Alexander. "I should give it my gym bag," Rip said. "Um, Rip," said Nikki. "Not only are your ears blue— they look a little... pointy!" "Huh?" Rip touched his ears. "Are you sure you feel okay?" asked Alexander. Rip stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Yes, weenie, I'm fine. Just—" HOO-RONNNNNK!!!