2 Fiddle-De-Dee

2. FIDDLE-DE-DEE "No shark brains...?" asked Jim's dad. Outside the Grumpy Mermaid Inn, Matilda and her parents were sitting beneath an umbrella, across the table from Jim and the rest of his family. The Jolley-Rogers had arrived in Dull-on- Sea at dawn, and had been stocking up on provisions. Jim's mom had suggested a nice lunch before they set sail again, but Jim's dad was disappointed with the menu.

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"Landlubbers eat such boring grub!" he said to the waiter. "Ye'll be tellin' me next ye ain't got no kraken fillets!" "I'm afraid not, sir," replied the waiter. "All our fish are locally caught. Could I suggest the pan-fried sea bass, with saffron beurre blanc, crushed potatoes, and citrus-infused greens?" "What'd he say?" asked Nugget. "Bah, gimme the fish and chips!" grumbled Jim's dad. "I'll 'ave fish and chips too," said Jim's mom. "Me too!" said Jim. "Me three!" said Nugget.

"Fish and chips!" squawked Squawk. "So, that's four orders of fish and chips, rather than five...?" said the waiter. "I presume your macaw just repeats everything you say. How sweet!" He leaned over to stroke Squawk, but thought better of it when Squawk fixed him with a hard stare, accompanied by a low growl. "We'll have two fish and chips," said Matilda's mom. "And one sea bass, please." With the food ordered, everyone turned their attention back to Matilda's map, which was rolled out across the table. Jim's dad also had one of his ancient sea charts and was comparing the two, sliding

his compass across the parchment, while muttering to himself and scratching his head. "Thanks for the map, Matilda. We pirates love a good treasure hunt," he said. "Funny thing is that this 'ere treasure island don't appear on my sea chart. But we could try to find it, all right.... I'm partial to a bit of treasure!" "Me too!" said Nugget. "Personally, I think treasure causes nothing but trouble!" chirped Squawk. "Do you want to come with us, Tilly?" said Jim, looking at his mom, who nodded with a smile.

"Yes, please!" begged Matilda, turning to her parents with pleading eyes. "Oh well, I suppose it would be a nice little adventure for you," Matilda's mom replied. "Do you think it's safe?" "I'll tell yer true, your Matilda's got a fine pair of sea legs!" said Jim's mom. "The Blackhole's shipshape and the sea's becalmed to Hag's Head and beyond. It ain't much farther to where the treasure is supposed to be, and they ain't talking 'bout rain or storm for a week or more." "We be needin' Matilda's help," added Jim. "She's got a nose for gold! She found the map too,