6 The Long Journey

CHAPTER 6 The Long Journey They traveled over the sea for six weeks. Although that may seem like a long time, it was

actually a short trip. They did not want to waste time. They followed the swallow all day as she flew in front of the boat. At night, she held a tiny lantern so they would not lose their way. As they sailed south, the weather became warmer. Polynesia, Chee-Chee, and the crocodile were very happy. They ran about the boat laughing. They looked over the side of the boat hoping to be the first to see Africa. Soon they would be home! The pig, dog, and owl were not as happy with the weather. It was much harder for them to be hot. The only thing they could do was sit in the shade with their tongues hanging out and sip lemonade. Dab-Dab the duck kept herself cool by swimming in the ocean behind the boat. Sometimes she dove underwater and swam beneath the boat. She caught many fish, too. Everyone was happy to have fish for dinner. It was a nice change from canned beans and

vegetables. One day, a group of dolphins swam beside their boat. Polynesia sat on the rail so she could talk to them. The dolphins asked if this was Doctor Dolittle's boat. Polynesia answered yes. "We're so glad to hear that," the dolphins replied. "The monkeys will be happy. They've been worried."

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"We should be there soon," Polynesia said. "The swallow says we will arrive in a few days." "Would you mind if we swam with you for a while?" the dolphins asked. "It would be an honor to travel with Doctor Dolittle." Polynesia said, "Yes, of course!" She felt very proud. After all, she was the one who had taught Doctor Dolittle to speak animal languages. Now all the animals had heard of him. Two days later, as the sun was setting, Doctor Dolittle grabbed the telescope. "Everyone!" he called. "Come look! Our journey is about to end. I can see the shores of Africa!" All the animals ran to his side. They each took a turn looking through the telescope. Everyone cheered that they were so close. "How long before we reach land?" Jip the dog asked. "We should be there by morning, I imagine," Doctor Dolittle said. Just then the sky turned dark and the wind

picked up. Everyone ran into the cabin to keep dry during the storm. There was thunder and lightning. It started to rain. The waves were so high that water poured over the deck. Everyone went to sleep. They hoped the storm would be over by morning. In the middle of the night there came a loud bang! The boat stopped and started to roll over on its side. "What on earth happened?" the doctor called. He opened the cabin door and climbed back on deck. It was difficult to walk through the wind and rain. "I think we're shipwrecked," Polynesia said. "We must have run into Africa," Doctor Dolittle said. "Dear me! I hope we haven't ruined the boat." "I'll take a look," Dab-Dab said. The duck dove over the side and swam underwater to examine the bottom of the boat. There was a large hole from hitting the rocks. Water was pouring inside, and they were sinking fast. Dab