44 Arrival

44 Arrival Peanut opened her eyes and was surprised to see that it was light. 'Wh-what time is it? Where are we?' It took a few seconds for the Tetris pieces in her head to fall into place and for her to remember what had happened the night before. Ahh, good morning, Peanut. It's almost seven o'clock, said Jonathan Higginbottom warmly. 'We reached the south Side of the lake about two hours ago. I couldn't bring myself to wake you—you all looked so peaceful peanut looked behind her to see Little-Bit snuggled up next to Rockwell, both of them sound asleep on the alligator's back. Doodle was standing on the bank. When he saw Peanut,

he wagged his tail and barked loudly, waking the other two. Little-Bit yawned. Are we there? Have we reached the Strip?' 'Yes,' said Jonathan Higginbottom. 'It's just across there. He pointed with his tail towards a uniform line of trees fifty metres away, beyond which they could hear the sounds of engines being revved, trams clattering along tracks and car horns beeping. And what do we do when we get there, exactly?' asked Rockwell, rubbing his eyes. Head for Main Street and turn right. It's the main avenue running through the Strip and it runs directly towards the Spire. You can't miss it. Keep a low profile, and don't do anything that might draw attention—you will need to cover all of those pens and pencils for a start, young Peanut. Somebody from the Resistance will make contact with you before you reach Rainbow Lake. You'll be in safe hands, I can promise you that. ' Well, what are we waiting for?' said Rockwell. 'The sooner we get to the Spire, the sooner we can rescue Peanut's dad and Mr M, and the sooner we can go home. Lead the way, Sefior Higginbottom Alas, I must leave you here. I have completed my mission and now I must return to my post. Apart from anything else, we alligators aren't really built for urban living.

'Oh, but can't you come with us? I've never been friends with an alligator before,' pleaded Little-Bit. 'We will always be friends, regardless of whether I accompany you or not.' He nudged Little-Bit's cheek gently with his nose. 'I will remember that hug forever, little one. And I will see you again soon. I'm sure of it. 'Thank you, Jonathan Higginbottom. For everything, said Peanut. ' It was a pleasure to meet you. If I hear of any vacancies going at any nursery schools, I will be putting your name forward immediately.' 'That is very kind of you. With that, the alligator slipped under the black water and was gone. They were on their own once more...