42 Jonathan Higginbottom

42 Jonathan Higginbottom Peanut tried to scream, but the only sound that came out was a rather pathetic whimper. It was, however, enough to wake Little-Bit, Rockwell and Doodle, whose heads instantly appeared through the tent flap. ' OH. MY. GOD!' yelled Rockwell. 'ALIGATOR!' shouted Little-Blt. Doodle disappeared back inside the tent.

'Oh, come now, didn't your parents ever tell you not to judge a book by its cover?' Little-Bit stopped screaming. Peanut dropped the pencil. Unless they were very much mistaken, the terrifying- looking creature in front of them had just spoken. Not only that, but he had the friendliest, softest voice imaginable. He sounded, well, nice. I can assure you that there is nothing to be scared of,' continued the alligator. 'I am aware that I might initially appear a bit threatening, and, Lord knows, I wish that wasn't the case, but once you get to know me, you'll see that, despite these looks, I'm a big softie.' Rockwell scratched his head. Little-Bit's mouth was hanging open. The alligator smiled, revealing

at least a hundred razor-sharp teeth. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jonathan Higginbottom. I gather you are in need of some assistance. 'You?' gasped Peanut. 'You're Mrs M's Resistance contact?' 'Correct.' Jonathan Higginbottom grinned. But... but... you're a... massivealligator,' said Little-Bit. 'Ten out of ten for observation.

'But how does an alligator get to join the Resistance?' Ah well, that's a long story. Why don't we all have one of your nice cups of tea and I'll tell you. Once they were all settled, Jonathan Higginbottom began his tale. 'What I really wanted to do after leaving university was to become a nursery nurse. You see, I just love children.' He looked at Little-Bit and grinned. Although, I couldn't eat a whole one. Little-Bit giggled nervously. 'The problem was that none of the schools I applied to could get past the whole "scary-looking alligator" thing.' He sighed and slurped his tea loudly. 'I guess it just wasn't meant to be.' 'So how did you end up working with the Resistance?' asked Rockwell. 'Well, I was as appalled as anybody by Mr White's attack on Chroma and all we hold dear, so I figured that if I couldn't get a job helping kids, the next best thing was to get a job defending our way of life. Maybe I could help the poor folk imprisoned by Mr White instead. Anyway, I applied, and Mrs M posted me to Inky Lake immediately. I suppose it was a natural fit for an

individual of an eusuchian persuasion. 'I think you're very brave,' said Little-Bit, standing up to give him a big hug. Awww, thanks. Jonathan Higginbottom's eyes filled with tears. ' No one ever hugs me. 'So,' said Peanut. 'What's the plan? For us, I mean. ' Well, as you know, Mr White has spies everywhere... 'Yes. We've already seen some RAZERs and a couple of the flying fish. Of course you have. So you will agree that our best bet is to travel under cover of darkness.' 'Where are we going?' 'My information is that one of my colleagues will meet you on the Strip. 'So, will you escort us through the forest?' 'Not through the forest. We need to take a safer route.' He put down his mug. 'Children, you'd better scribble yourselves something waterproof. We're going swimming.