THE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURE OF BROMLEY BEAR – dummy

 

THE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURE OF BROMLEY BEAR by Author and Illustrator Jan Lis

 

CH1

“Hello Bromley,” Mrs. Wren called. Bromley Bear stopped and looked over the picket fence. Mrs. Wren, wearing a blue velvet hat, sat on her front lawn having tea. “Would you care to join me?” Mrs. Wren asked. “Delighted,” Bromley replied. Sitting down, he tucked a napkin under his chin.
“One lump or two?” Mrs. Wren asked. “Two please,” Bromley replied. Mrs. Wren plopped the sugar lumps into his cup. She stirred them with a spoon, and handed him the cup and saucer. Bromley poured the tea into his saucer and blew on it. Then he tilted the saucer to his lips and took a long slurping sip.
Mrs. Wren spooned a healthy gob of strawberry jam onto a toasted muffin and handed it to Bromley.  He spread the jam evenly over the muffin with his finger. Then, he popped the muffin into his mouth. Licking his fingers clean, he dabbed the corners of his mouth with his napkin.
Mrs. Wren leaned across the table.
“Have you heard the news about Piggy?” She whispered. Bromley shook his head. “He’s gotten himself into terrible trouble.” Piggy was one of Bromley’s very best friends. Mrs. Wren knew that quite well. She went on,
“Piggy got into Farmer’s corn crib. He ate a bushel of corn and fell asleep. Farmer found him this morning. Piggy was lying on his back with his stomach puffed full of corn. He was snoring, ‘Snort fuf, fuf, fuf, snort fuf, fuf, fuf.’ Farmer locked him in the shed, and says he is going to make sausage out of him.”
Bromley set down his saucer. “Oh dear, I must think of something to do,” he said getting up from the table.
“Ta, Ta,” chirped Mrs. Wren with a pleased smirk on her face.

Bromley hurried away to find his friend Dink. Dink lived under the mulberry hedge along the lane. He was a bit dotty as far as hedgehogs go. But he was a true friend. Bromley reached the mulberry hedge. He rustled the bush back and forth and called,
“Dink old man, Come out this instant!” Dink crawled from under the hedge.
“Oh hello, Bromley,” he said with a yawn.  Then, he climbed onto a log and sat down.
“I have something important to tell you,” Bromley said. Dink put his paw over his face as he yawned again.
“I’m all ears,” he said peering up into Bromley’s face.
“Piggy got into Farmer’s corn crib and ate and ate. Farmer locked him in the shed. He is going to make sausage of him. We must help him,” Bromley said. And he began pacing back and forth, with his arms behind his back.
“Gee, Piggy’s in an awful mess,” Dink answered “You have to think of something, Bromley.” Dink jumped off the log. The two of them paced back and forth, their arms behind their backs.
They turned at the sound of someone whistling and saw Thomas Cat sauntering down the lane. He had a fishing pole swinging from his shoulder, and a can of worms in his paw.
“Hi fellas,” Thomas cried, “I’m going fishing. Care to join me?” Bromley loved fishing, but today he shook his head, no.
“Count me in,” Dink said, his mouth watering. He thought of a nice crispy fish broiling over a campfire.
“No, you don’t,” yelled Bromley. “We’re trying to think of a way to help Piggy.
“Oh, I forgot,” Dink replied, as he sat back down on the log.
“Farmer caught Piggy eating his corn. He locked him in the shed. And he is going to make sausage out of him,” Bromley explained.
“I like sausage, but I wouldn’t care for Piggy sausage,” Dink added. Bromley and Thomas stared at Dink, shaking their heads.
“Gee fellas, Piggy was always such fun. Now he’s going to be sausage,” Thomas said as he sat down next to Dink on the log.
“Let’s go over to Farmer’s farm, and say goodbye to old Piggy,” Bromley said.
“Hear, hear, Thomas seconded. “We must say goodbye to the old chap.”
“Yes, say goodbye,” added Dink. Thomas lay his fishing pole across the log. He dumped out the can of worms. The three set off for Farmers’ farm to pay their last respects to Piggy.

CH2
Down the lane, over the fence, and across the meadow they went. When they entered the farm yard, they spied the shed where Piggy was being held prisoner. Bromley leaned against the locked door and whispered,
“Hello Piggy. Are you in there?”
“Oh Bromley, Is that you? Answered Piggy in a tearful voice.
“I’m here, too,” whispered Thomas.
“Me too,” added Dink. Piggy wept for joy at the sound of his friends’ voices.
Bromley stood back and examined the shed.
“We can’t just leave Piggy. There must be a way to free him.” Then, he spied a nail high up on the wall beside the door. And on that nail hung the key to the shed.
“What’s happening,” Piggy cried when everyone was silent.
“Hang on, old man,” Thomas said. “Bromley is thinking of a plan.”
“I’ve got it!” Bromley cried. “Thomas, you stand on my shoulders. Dink you stand on Thomas’ shoulders. We’ll make a three-man tower to reach the key.” So, Thomas climbed up on Bromley’s shoulders.
“Okay, Dink, your turn,” Bromley called.
“I’m not so sure about this,” Dink said, looking up.
“Come on Dink, we haven’t got all day. Just do it,” Bromley said. Dink hoisted himself up onto Bromley’s’ shoulders. As he climbed onto Thomas’ shoulders, Dink’s foot slipped.
“Dnk gt yr ft of mi doze,” Thomas hollered.
“What was that, Thomas?” Dink asked as he regained his balance.
“I said. Get your foot off my nose,” Thomas grumped, wiggling his face.
“Oh, why didn’t you say so?” He said.

Dink balancing on Thomas’ shoulders and reached out. Before his fingers closed around the key, his nose twitched.
“Ah, Ah, Ah-Choo,” Dink sneezed. He started to tumble backward. This caused Thomas to lose his balance.
“What’s happening?” Bromley called. The tower began to sway back and forth. Finally, they tipped over. Dink, Thomas, and Bromley pitched backward onto the haystack. Dink sneezed again and tumbled down the hay. Rolling into a ball as he went bumping along, head over tail, head over tail.
Dink rolled across the barnyard. He plunked to a stop against the front hoof of Clyde, Farmer’s draft horse. Clyde looked down to see what was lying at his foot.
“Well, hello. What have we here?” He asked. “Why it’s a cricket ball. A cricket ball with fur on it. How odd,” he said sniffing the fur ball.
“Oh, I do beg your pardon. I didn’t mean to disturb you.” Dink said, looking up at Clyde.
“The furry cricket ball talks.” Clyde said with a shake of his head.
“I’m not a cricket ball. I’m a hedgehog,” Dink said, straightening himself.
“Do you happen to have a name, hedgehog?” Clyde asked.
“It’s Dink sir.”
“Pleased to make your acquaintance, Dink. I’m Clyde. But, let me warn you. Cruncher, Farmer’s dog, patrols the barnyard. He doesn’t take kindly to strangers. So, you’d best be on your way.”
Dink hurried back to Bromley and Thomas, who were busy picking hay off themselves. “Where did you roll off to?” Bromley asked.
“I just bumped into Clyde, Farmer’s horse,” Dink said. “Farmer has a mean dog. He’s boss of the yard, and he doesn’t like strangers. So, we must leave quickly.”

Bromley tapped on the shed door.
“We have to go Piggy, but we’ll be back.”
“Don’t leave me,” Piggy cried. Bromley, Thomas, and Dink raced away from the barnyard, across the meadow, over the fence, and down the lane.

CH3
That evening, tucked away in Bromley’s bungalow, the three sat around the table. A cheery fire crackled in the fireplace. Bromley cut a slice of honey cake. He handed the piece to Thomas. Then he cut a slice for Dink, and one for himself.
More hot cocoa,” Bromley asked refilling his cup.
“Don’t mind if I do,” said Thomas. He handed Bromley his cup.
“Me too,” added Dink, slurping the last bit of cocoa.  Then, he handed Bromley the empty cup.
“Now, let us plan our next move in Piggy’s rescue,” Bromley said clearing his throat.

Thomas leaned back in his chair. He removed a toothpick from his mouth, and said,
“I have been thinking about the matter.” Bromley and Dink leaned in to hear. Thomas sat up. “Remember where I was going when I happened upon the two of you on the lane?” He asked. Bromley thought a moment, and said,
“You were going fishing.”
“Righto,” cried Thomas. “And what do I go fishing with?”
“Worms!” Cried Dink.
“Yes, but what else?” Thomas asked.
“A fishing pole,” shouted Bromley.
“You got it,” said Thomas slapping the table. Shaking his head, Bromley asked,
“So you fish with a pole. So what?”
“But what does a pole have on it?” Thomas asked.
“String,” yelled Dink.
“And a hook,” added Bromley.
“Yes,” cried Thomas. “We’re going fishing for a key.”

Finally understanding, Bromley nodded,
“We’ll use the fishing pole to hook the key off the nail. Then we’ll unlock the shed door.”
“And we’ll run away with Piggy,” Dink added waving his arms in the air.
“What is the best time to carry out our plan?  Bromley asked.
“It will have to be after dark. Farmer’s dog, Cruncher, will be fast asleep,” Thomas said.
“Let’s go tonight then,” suggested Bromley. The three agreed. They would rescue Piggy this very night.
As soon as the sunset and the world settled down for the night, Bromley, Thomas, and Dink headed down the lane. The full moon cast eerie shadows, swaying like hands reaching out to grab them. An owl hooted, and something rustled in the forest. Dink grabbed hold of Bromley’s arm.

“I don’t think this is such a good idea,” he whispered looking around.
“Stop being such a baby,” hissed Thomas.
They reached the log, and Thomas picked up his fishing pole. They continued down the lane to the meadow. Climbing over the fence, they entered the field. The dark wood fell away. The moon shone clear and bright, coating the meadow in a ghostly white. Bromley, Thomas, and Dink moved across the field. Their long shadows trailed behind them. A croaky sound rang out in the stillness – ‘ARRIBIT.’
“Yuck,” screamed Dink. “I stepped on something cold and squishy. It’s a stinking, slimy frog. My foot’s all gooey. I want to go home,” he yelled in a panic.
Thomas stopped, turned to Dink, and said,
“Dink, if you don’t get your head on straight, I’m going to take this fishing line, wrap you up. and leave you here. No little pint-sized porcupine is going to mess up this mission.” Dink pantomimed locking his mouth with a key.
“All right,” Thomas motioned them forward. “Let’s move out!”
They reached the edge of the barnyard. Thomas crouched down. Bromley and Dink did the same. “All right guys, from now on we crawl toward our Objective. Understood?” Thomas said. Bromley and Dink nodded in agreement. They crawled across the yard single file. Thomas motioned for them to take cover behind a wheelbarrow. “You two stay here. I’m going to reconnoiter the area,” Thomas commanded. He zig-zagged across the yard to the haystack.
Thomas checked that all was clear and motioned Bromley and Dink forward. They crawled across the yard to the haystack.
“We’ll set up our command post here,” Thomas barked. “Bromley, you scout the perimeter to the left. Dink, you cover the right. Keep a sharp eye peeled for that dog, Cruncher.”
“Yes sir,” replied Bromley and Dink in unison.
The moon illuminated the key hanging by the door. Thomas inched the fishing line toward the key.
“I got it!” Thomas cried, as the hook dropped around the key. He gave the pole a mighty jerk. The key flew off the nail. The key danced through the air and plopped into the haystack. Then it sank deep into the hay.
Bromley, Thomas, and Dink stared open-mouthed at the haystack.
“What do we do now?” Dink asked.
“We dig,” Thomas replied. And the three started plowing through the hay.
“I got something,” exclaimed Dink.
“That’s my toe,” yelled Thomas.
“Stop clowning around,” Bromley said, burrowing further into the hay, feeling for the key.
“I got it!” Bromley cried moments later. He emerged from the haystack holding the key, glistening in the moonlight.
“Give it here,” Thomas said grabbing the key. He reached up, but couldn’t quite touch the lock.       “Here, this will help,” Dink said as he turned an empty milk pail upside down. Thomas climbed on the pail. He stood on his tip-toes, and stretched as far as he could. The key slipped into the lock. Thomas gave the key a turn, and CLICK, the lock sprung open.
Thomas turned the doorknob. The shed door swung open with Thomas still holding onto the nob. Thomas was wedged between the door and the shed.

Piggy rushed out of the shed and threw his arms around Bromley and Dink.

“Oh, thank you, fellows,” he sobbed, hugging them.

“Enough,” said Dink wiggling free. “You’re slobbering all over me.” Piggy looked around. “Where’s Thomas?” He asked.
“Help me down,” Thomas cried.
“Where are you?” Piggy asked.
“I’m here, behind the door.” They swung the door back and saw Thomas still holding onto the nob.  “Put your feet on my shoulders,” Piggy said. Thomas slid down Piggy’s back to the ground.
“Hey, someone’s coming,” Bromley whispered as a twig snapped.
“Quick, into the haystack,” Thomas called.

CH4
Bromley, Thomas, Dink, and Piggy dove headfirst into the cover of the hay. Four pairs of eyes peered out. They saw two figures sneaking across the barnyard toward the chicken coup. It was Foxy and Blackie Bird, two of the badest characters around.
Sticking to the shadows, Foxy and Blackie Bird entered the chicken coup. A great thumping, bumping, scraping, and screeching began inside. A cloud of white feathers flew into the moonlight.  The two thieves emerged from the hen house. Foxy had a squawking chicken tucked under his arm.
Dink’s nose began to tickle. He knew what was coming, and squinched his eyes closed. He tried not to… “Ahh, ahh, ahh, Choo,” he sneezed.
“Hey, whispered Blackie Bird grabbing Foxy’s arm. “I heard something.”
“Like what,” asked Foxy.
“Like I don’t know, a sneezy kind of noise.”
“You’re daft,” Foxy replied, as they tiptoed across the barnyard.
All the noise disturbed Clyde’s sleep. The big draft horse stuck his head out of the barn window.” Clyde recognized the panicked chicken.

“It’s Henrietta Hen,” he exclaimed. Henrietta’s eyes were bulged out in terror.
“Help, help, someone save me!” She squawked. Clyde raised his head and whinnied,
“Chicken Thief, Chicken Thief.” Foxy and Blackie Bird rounded the corner of the hen house, and headed for the dark cover of the forest.
Suddenly a fierce growl pierced the night. Into the moonlit barnyard strode Farmer’s mean dog, Cruncher. His lips drew back into a toothy snarl. Saliva dripped from the corners of this mouth. Foxy and Blackie Bird froze in their tracks.
“Drop the chicken,” Cruncher commanded. “Or your Mama won’t be able to recognize you.”
“Hey man, this is not what it looks like,” Foxy said in a squeaky voice.
“Let me explain,” he said taking a step backward. “It’s all Blackie Bird’s fault. He put me up to it.”
“I did not,” protested Blackie Bird. “You’re the one who had a taste for roast chicken. You’re the one who built a fire in the woods, for a plump chicken to roast over.”

Foxy turned to Blackie Bird and was about to say something rude. But a deep growl rolled out of Cruncher’s mouth.
“Right man,” Foxy said with a phony grin. He placed Henrietta Hen on the ground and backed away. Foxy looked at Blackie, and screamed “Let’s go.” The two raced off across the meadow toward the forest. Cruncher charged after them. Henrietta straightened her ruffled feathers. She puffed out her chest. “Well, I never,” she exclaimed, marching back into the hen house.
Hidden safety in the haystack, Bromley, Thomas, Dink, and Piggy watched until Cruncher was well out of sight. Bromley climbed out of the haystack, brushing hay from his shoulders,
“Now is our chance to get away before Cruncher gets back.” he said. The others climbed out, shaking hay in all directions. They ran toward the cornfield behind the barn.
They walked single file along a row of corn. Cruncher’s howl echoed in the distance. Dink, last in the line, tapped Piggy on the shoulder.
“Do you think Cruncher’s bark sounds louder and louder?” Piggy tapped Thomas, who was in front of him, “Do you think Cruncher is getting louder?” Thomas tapped Bromley, who was leading, “Cruncher seems to be coming this way.” Bromley stopped and listened.
“Run!” Yelled Bromley. Cruncher was now chasing them. They ran for their lives through the cornfield. Sliding down a slope, they screeched to a halt. Their toes felt the cold wetness of a stream.
“I hate water,” Thomas cried, shaking his wet toes.
“Well, we can’t just stand here, and let Cruncher get us.” squealed Piggy.
Bromley began searching along the river bank. He looked in a clump of reeds. He found a row boat anchored there. “Over here. he hollered.  “I found a boat.” Just then, Cruncher crashed out of the cornfield. Cruncher raced to the river bank.
“Quick, jump into the boat,” Bromley cried. Thomas decided to get his feet wet, and dove for the boat. Piggy and Dink jumped in after him. Bromley untied the bowline. He shoved the boat into the current and jumped on board. Cruncher’s teeth clicked the empty air where he had been.

CH5

The rowboat floated into the middle of the stream and headed down the river. Thomas sat in the bow, licking the water off his fur. Piggy and Dink shared the middle seat. And Bromley sat in the rear. They watched as Cruncher raced along the bank after them. Finally, giving up the chase, he lay panting on the river bank.
Bromley, Thomas, Dink, and Piggy breathed a sigh of relief. Being on the river was peaceful. The gentle current pushed them along.
“We should paddle to the shore, and go home,” Thomas said when he had dried his fur. Bromley looked down for the oars. He felt under his seat.
“Look around for the oars fellas,” he asked. Thomas, Piggy, and Dink searched the floor boards, but couldn’t find the oars.
“There aren’t any oars,” Dink whined.
“Great. We’re in a rowboat, drifting who knows where, in the middle of the night,” Thomas grumbled. The current carried them along, and rocked by the motion of the rowboat, they drifted off to sleep.

The boat bumped into the reeds along the opposite bank. Bromley, Thomas, Piggy and Dink tumbled out of their seats. The bow was stuck fast into the sandy bank.
“I guess we’re here fellas.” Bromley joked.
“Where’s here?” Dink asked.
“I have no idea,” Bromley answered. Looking around he asked,
“Does anyone know where we are?”
“No,” murmured Thomas, Piggy, and Dink. In the dark, it was impossible to tell where they were. But they were sure they had never been this far from home.
“We might as well get on dry land,” Thomas said. He didn’t want to spend any more time near the water. “We can find a comfortable place to sleep.  Then decide how to get home in the morning.” That sounded reasonable to everyone.

They climbed out of the rowboat and up the river bank. In the bright moonlight, the boys saw a forest not much far from the river.
“I say we head to the woods,” Thomas suggested. “We can scoop up a comfy bed of leaves to sleep on under the trees.” This was agreeable to all, and they walked toward the forest.
“I’m really hungry,” Piggy moaned as he walked along. “I haven’t had anything to eat since that lovely meal in Farmer’s corn crib. Bromley shook his head. Piggy stuffing himself on Farmer’s corn was why they were now very far from home.
They entered the forest. Moonlight filtered through the trees, lighted their way. An old oak, with spreading branches, stood not far away.
“I’ll bet there are tons of leaves under that tree,” Dink cried. They raced to the tree and began scooping leaves into a pile. Laughing and squealing, Dink and Piggy throwed leaves at each other. And Thomas joined in.
Bromley picked up a handful of leaves to throw. but he stopped and looked into the woods.
“I see something bright flickering in the distance.” he said pointing toward the center of the forest.

CH6

The boys stopped their game and looked where Bromley was pointing. They tip-toed closer.
“It’s a fire,” exclaimed Thomas. The boys crept toward the fire, and halted at the edge of a small clearing.
In the center of the clearing was a bonfire ringed about with stones. Above the fire was an iron cauldron. Steam from the bubbling contents rose in curls to the trees above. Beside the fire sat a man dressed in a purple shirt. There was a red sash around his waist, and dark pants tucked into long black boots. A golden earring in his ear glistened in the light of the campfire.
The man was playing the violin. Beside the man sat a small, spotted dog, and a monkey. Behind the man, a white horse munched a pail of oats. Next to the horse stood a brightly painted red wagon. The wagon was decorated with colorful designs. It appeared to be a tiny house mounted on large wheels.
“That’s a Gypsy wagon,” Bromley whispered. “The man playing the violin is a Gypsy.” As if he heard, the man looked in their direction. He leaned over and said spoke to the monkey.

“Let’s go,” Dink said, starting to back away. Piggy, shaking like a leaf, turned to run.
“Wait, hold on a minute,” said Thomas. “The monkey is coming our way. Let’s see what he wants.” Dink and Piggy froze where they were. But they were ready to flee at the first sign of trouble.
The monkey approached. He was dressed in a red vest with gold trim. He had a little red cap on his head. The cap was held on by a band tucked under his chin. When the monkey reached the boys, the monkey removed his cap, and make a polite bow. he pit his cap back on and motioned for them to follow him. Bromley and Thomas looked at each other and nodded. They grabbed Dink and Piggy, who were trying to slink away.
“Come on,” said Thomas, “Let’s go see what they want.” Pulling Dink and Piggy along, they followed the monkey to the campfire.
The Gypsy finished his tune and put the violin aside and looked at the boys.
“What brings you into the forest? he asked, “You must admit, it is strange to see a bear, a cat, a pig, and a hedgehog strolling through the woods in the middle of the night.”
“We lost our way,” Bromley answered, not wanting to complicate things,
“I see,” nodded the Gypsy. “In that case, would you care to sit by the fire? I am called Maestro. The little spotted fellow next to me is Peppi. The gentleman in the red vest and hat is Jester. And my pretty horse is Bella.”

Bromley as sat down across the fire from Maestro. Dink, and Piggy seated themselves next to Bromley.
“Thank you for your hospitality,” Bromley said.  Piggy leaned forward to sniff the bubbling cauldron.
“Gee, that smells awfully good,” he said, smacking his lips.
“Where are my manors,” Maestro replied. “We are having a dinner of cabbage and barley stew. Would you gentlemen care to partake of our simple offering?”
“Cabbage and barley stew, my favorite,” Piggy exclaimed. Maestro said turning to Jester and said,
“Will you serve some stew to our friends?” Jester ladled the stew into wooden bowls and passed them around.
Bromley, Thomas, Piggy, and Dink slurped their stew, and licked the bowls clean. With their tummies full, they felt warm and content next to the crackling fire.
Maestro picked up his violin again and played a lullaby. As the soothing notes drifted through the forest, Thomas’ head dropped on his chest. Piggy was already snoring, fuf, fuf, fuf. Dink rolled into a ball with his nose tucked in his stomach, and Bromley’s eyelids closed.
“Why don’t you sleep here by the fire tonight?” Maestro said, putting his violin away. Soon, they were all fast asleep with peaceful dreams..

CH7
The night gave way to a lovely dawn. The orange ball of sun rose above the forest trees. Piggy’s nose twitched in his sleep. He was dreaming of a huge stack of syrupy pancakes. His mouth watered. One eye popped open. His gaze fell on the fire. Over the flames was a griddle. And on the griddle were browning the most scrumptious smelling pancakes.
“Pancakes, with gobs of Gooseberry jam on top. My favorite,” said Piggy sitting up and smacking his lips.

One after the other their noses twitched, and their eyes popped open. Bromley, Thomas, Piggy, and Dink sat around the fire with hungry mouths open. They watched as Peppi flipped the golden pancakes into the air. Maestro sat with a steaming mug of tea in his hands. He motioned toward the platter piled high with pancakes.
“Help yourselves and don’t spare the Gooseberry jam.”
They ate and ate until they could not stuff in one more pancake. Piggy lay on his back holding his very round tummy.
“Oh, that was good,” he groaned. Dink lay on his stomach, his legs spread out on either side of him, and moaned. Bromley and Thomas finished their last bite and licked their fingers. Then they washed down their breakfast with a mug of hot tea.
Maestro set down his mug and cleared his throat.
“Bella Peppi, Jester, and I are heading to the Fair. The red caravan is our home. We travel the land and present our humble show. I am Maestro, known far and wide for my violin performances. Bella, my talented pony, prances in time to my violin. Peppi, my spotted friend, walks on his hind legs. He walks on his front legs and jumps through a ring of fire. And Jester, my fine little gentleman, goes among the crowd. He removes his hat and collects coins from the crowd and makes a polite bow.  What may I ask, are your entertaining skills?” Maestro asked.

Piggy sat up with supreme effort.
“I can dance a pretty fancy Irish jig,” he said very pleased.
“I can walk a tightrope,” Thomas said, puffing out his chest. All eyes turned next to Bromley.
“I have been told I have a certain skill with card tricks,” he said with a sheepish grin.
“Perfect,” Maestro commented. He turned to Dink and asked, “And what do you do little man?” Dink hung his head and mumbled something.
“What was that?” Maestro questioned.
“I don’t do very much. But I can curl myself into a ball, and roll around,” Dink said, shuffling his foot back and forth.
“Interesting,” replied Maestro. “I’m sure we can find something for you to do. You see, gentlemen, my little troupe and I are about to abandon this lovely forest. We’re pulling up stakes today and traveling on to the Fair. And we should be pleased to include you in our company. What do you think lads?” Maestro asked.
“Gee. I thought we were going home today,” Dink whined.
“You big baby. Where’s your sense of adventure?” Piggy said, adding, “I want to go to the Fair. Count me in.”
“What do you think Thomas?” Bromley asked, looking at his friend.
“I don’t know, what do you think?” Thomas replied. They both shrugged their shoulders and said, “Okay, why not.” They looked at Dink.
“Well, Dink, do you want to go or not? Bromley asked. “One for all, and all for one, I always say. We won’t go without you.” Dink thought for a moment, then answered,
“Well, if you put it that way, let’s go to the Fair.”
Maestro packed up the camp and hitched Bella to the wagon. He climbed onto the front seat and picked up the reigns. With Peppi and Jester sitting next to him he called,
“All right boys, hop on the back of the wagon.” Bromley, Thomas, Piggy, and Dink seated themselves on the back. Maestro flicked the reigns and clicked, “Get up Bella,” Bella perked up her ears, and set off at a brisk trot down the forest path.

CH8
Over a small creek, and onto a country lane the Gypsy wagon traveled. As she trotted along, Bella swerved to miss a large rock in the road. But the back wheel hit the stone. Bumpity, bump, the caravan teetered this way and that. Bromley, Thomas, Dink, and Piggy bounced up in the air and landed in a pile on top of each other. They heard a thump, thump and the cart tipped sharply to the right. Bromley saw a wagon wheel roll away down the lane. The wheel spun along then wobbled and tumbled over into the ditch.
“We’ve lost a wheel,” Bromley cried.
“Whoa,” Maestro called, pulling up on the reigns. Maestro, Peppi, and Jester climbed off the front seat. Bromley, Thomas, Piggy, and Dink untangled themselves and slid off the back. They stood staring at the axle without a wheel.
“Now what are we going to do?” Grumbled Maestro, scratching his head.
“We have to lift this side of the wagon, and put the wheel back on,” Thomas told everyone. So, they pushed and pulled and tugged on the axle, but they couldn’t lift it.  Several tries later they all lay panting by the side of the road.
“It’s hopeless,” Maestro said, wiping his brow with a handkerchief.
Bromley sat up and looked toward the forest that ran along the road.
What’s that noise?” He asked. Everyone listened. They heard tree limbs snapping and the clomping of heavy feet.
“Whatever is making that noise is coming toward us,” shrieked Piggy getting to his feet. The clomping grew louder and louder. Then, a huge brown bear crashed through the trees.
“Oooh,” cried Dink. “We’re going to be eaten!” And he raced to the wagon with everyone scrambling after him. They climbed onto the roof of the Gypsy wagon and sat shaking.

A rather pudgy brown bear lumbered up to the wagon and stood on its hind legs. and looked up at them. Then the bear looked at Bella, who stood trembling. Finally, the bear walked to the back of the wagon and sniffed at the axle.
“I guess you need some help,” she said with a toothy grin.
“Why yes, we could,” Bromley said as he slid down from the roof, and hopped to the ground. “My name is Bromley,” he said, trying to sound brave.
“My name is Susie. Pleased to meet you, I’m sure.” the bear replied.
“It’s all right,” Bromley said to the rest of the group. They climbed off the wagon and stood behind Bromley. Dink crept forward to see the ferocious bear with the name of Susie. Susie looked down at the little hedgehog, and stood on one leg in an absolute panic.
“A hedgehog! Does he bite?” She screamed.
“No, no, he’s quite tame,” Bromley reassured her.
“Sorry. Those little spiny animals make me nervous. I’m always afraid I’m going to sit on one. All those needles you see,” Susie said when she stopped shaking
“I can lift the wagon while you put the wheel back on.” she added, pointing to the axle. Taking charge of the situation, Maestro answered,
“That would be most welcome.” Then, he shouted. “Roll the wheel back here, fellows. Bella, make sure the wagon doesn’t move.” They rolled the wheel to the wagon. Susie flexed her muscles, placed her shoulder under the axle, and lifted the wagon off the ground. Maestro put the wheel into place, and Susie let the wagon down.
“Three cheers for Susie,” Bromley called. “Hip, hip, hooray,” they all yelled.
“Thank you,” Susie said with a smile. “Everyone usually runs for me in terror. So, I don’t have many friends.” Maestro thought for a moment, then said,
“We’re going to the Fair. Why don’t you join our little troupe, and come with us?”
“I would love to,” Susie said. And with a sniff, she brushed a tear from the corner of her eye.
“Well, what are we waiting for? Everyone hop on the wagon,” Maestro called. Susie wiggled her generous self between Bromley and Thomas, and Piggy and Dink. She put her arms around the boys and pulled them to her in a friendly bear hug. Maestro, Peppi, and Jester climbed onto the front seat. Maestro flipped the reigns to Bella, and the Gypsy wagon rolled down the lane.

CH9
The eventful morning turned into a pleasant afternoon. Sheep dotted the hillsides. Cows munched grass in the pastures, and farm hands worked in the fields. Susie led them in a sing-along. And everyone quite enjoyed themselves. Bella jogged along at a goodly pace, and the miles flew by as the wagon bumped along toward the Fair.
“Hush fellows,” Bromley said as he caught the faint sound of carnival music. Everyone stopped talking and strained to hear. In the distance, but growing louder and louder, they heard tinny music, hawkers shouting their wares, and laughing crowds that mingled together in a hodge-podge of sounds.
Reaching the top of a hill, they saw, below them, colorful banners floating in the summer breeze. Gaily striped booths lining the Midway. Acrobats and Jugglers in exotic costumes. And country folk, dressed in their finest, strolling along.
They entered the Fair grounds, and Maestro parked the gypsy wagon.  He unharnessed Bella, and filled her bucket with oats. Then climbed into the back of the wagon, he tossed out blue and white striped canvas and wooden poles. Peppi and Jester carried the canvas and poles to the show area. They pounded the poles into the ground and stretched the canvas around them. forming an enclosure. Then they assembled a large wooden stage in the center of the compound. They placed a red booth at the entrance. Jester climbed the poles and attached colorful pendants atop each one. Finally, Maestro placed torches all around the enclosure.
With the day drawing to a close, Maestro called a halt to their preparations. He built a fire beside the gypsy wagon.
“Let us indulge in a simple repast before commencing our performance,” he said. Jester placed the iron cauldron over the fire. Before long the aroma of a tasty turnip soup tickled their noses.
“Turnip soup, my favorite,” cried Piggy, smacking his lips.
When they had downed their soup. Maestro said, “Let us now adjourn to the dressing area.  You must choose your costumes, and prepare for the evening performance.” He disappeared into the wagon and returned carrying a large trunk. He sat the trunk on the ground. Inside were costumes of all descriptions. Maestro scrounged in the wagon again. He returned with a dressing table and mirror, which he placed beside the wagon.
They each searched through the trunk and found a costume for the show. Maestro donned a top hat and pasted a false mustache on his upper lip. He looked quite dashing as he curled the long, handlebar mustache. Peppi placed a polka-dot clown’s hat on his head and tied a ruffled blue collar around his neck. Bella wore a fluffy pink headpiece that resembled a stick of cotton candy. Susie chose a frilly yellow skirt with a matching purse around her wrist and a straw hat with a daisy on the brim. Jester put on his red and gold-trimmed bolero jacket and placed his red hat atop his head.
Bromley chose a red Ringmaster’s jacket with long tails in the back and shiny black boots. Thomas looked handsome in blue and orange stripped tights, and yellow wristbands. Dink chose a red clown nose, and a green bowler hat with a rose that squirted water. And Piggy, with a purple bow tied around his neck, painted different colored dots all over himself. Bromley, Thomas, Piggy, and Dink giggled as they put on their costumes, and looked at themselves in the mirror. They pointed and howled with laughter as they looked at each other.

CH10
The sun was setting as they marched to the show compound. Maestro lit the torches, and the area sprang to life with a flickering glow. Maestro placed the top hat on his head. Then he leaned down and said to Dink, “Off you go now, lad.”
Carrying a megaphone, Dink walked to the red booth at the entrance. Shaking like a leaf, he cleared his throat, and tried to talk.  No sound came out. Overcome by fear, Dink couldn’t speak. He closed his eyes, for a long moment, and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.
Then raising the megaphone to his mouth, he shouted as if he had been a carnival barker his whole life. “Ladies and gentlemen, come one, come all. Witness the greatest exposition of human and animal skills, collected from the four corners of the known world. Step right up, Sir. Don’t be shy, Madam. Right this way.” People rushed through the entrance and stood straining to see the stage.
The crowd hushed as Maestro stepped onto the platform and raised his violin. He tucked it under his chin, and the lively strains of a Hungarian folk tune burst forth in joyful
abandon. There was not a dry eye in the crowd as the last notes trailed away.
Bella, glittering in a sequined bridle, and pink cotton candy like headpiece was majestic. With prancing feet lifted high, she danced in time to Maestro’s violin.
Susie, standing tall on her hind legs, performed an elegant waltz.  Then, balancing on a bicycle, she peddled around and around the stage waving to the crowd.
Peppi in his clown hat, and fluffy yellow collar, wowed the crowd with his acrobatic abilities. He walked on his front legs. He walked on his hind legs. The audience gasped as he finished his performance with a triple summersault through a flaming hoop.
Thomas strode onto the stage.  He climbed to the tightrope high above. Balancing on the high wire, he walked forward and back, stood on his hands, and sat on a chair. As a finale, he did a backflip, landing on the thin wire with one foot. Thomas dismounted and strutted around the stage, hands held high, reveling in his moment of glory.
Bromley in his Ringmaster coat and white gloves, mesmerized the crowd with his masterly show of card tricks.
But, Piggy stole the show with his Irish Jig. Hands on his hips in perfect form, Piggy clogged forward and back, his feet flying in a rhythmic flurry. Piggy danced so furiously, he worked up a sweat. All over his body, the carefully applied colorful dots began to run. The crowd went wild thinking the dripping ribbons of color were a part of his act.
As the show ended, Jester jumped off the seat he was perched on, disappearing among the crowd. He removed his cap and held it in front of each spectator. When they placed a coin in his hat, he made a polite bow.
With the performance over, the weary troupe returned to the Gypsy wagon to remove their costumes. Maestro slapped each of them on the back and said, “You were a huge success this evening my good lads, and Bella.”
Bromley, Thomas, and Dink finished taking off their make-up. They teased Piggy as he scrubbed himself pink trying to wash off his streamers of color. Very shortly the sleepy lads were bedded down for the night around the campfire.

CH11
The next morning Bromley, Thomas, Piggy, and Dink awoke to the bustling sounds of the Fair. With a steaming mug of tea in his hand Maestro suggested,
“Why not take the day off and see all the sights of the Fair.”
Susie elected to stay and work on her act, but Bromley, Thomas, Piggy and Dink were happy to have the chance to look around. As they strolled down the Midway, Thomas stopped in front of a red and white striped tent.
“Look,” he said, “the Refreshment tent. Let’s go in and order breakfast.” They entered the busy tent, found an empty table, and sat down. Thomas ordered cucumber sandwiches and tea all around.
“Oh, please, said Piggy rubbing his hands together with glee, “Let’s do order blueberry scones. They’re my favorite.” Which they did. They ate their cucumber sandwiches and drank their tea.  And consumed a double order of blueberry scones.
“Oh, that was fine,” Bromley said leaning back in his chair after he had finished the last crumb. “What should we see first?” He asked.
“I hear there is an exhibition with the famous Heart of India Ruby on display.” Dink said, leaning across the table. “They say the ruby is as big as a pigeon’s egg and worth millions. And armed men with pistols are guarding the ruby.”
“I want to see the Magician,” Piggy added. “They say he has a magic act where he makes people disappear.”
“I’ll believe that when I see it,” Bromley chimed in, shaking his head. “People don’t just disappear.”
“How do you know if you have never seen it,” Piggy replied with a huff.
“Take it easy, guys. We’ll have a chance to see everything,” Thomas reassured them as he got up from the table.
They strolled down the Midway taking in all the sights, and sounds of the Fair. In front of them walked a baker with a tray balanced on his head. Piled high on the tray was a tower of crispy waffles. Piggy’s nose shot up in the air, and he sniffed.
“Waffles,” he cried. “My favorite,” and he pushed through the crowd after the waffle man. Piggy returned munching on a waffle coated with a mound of powdered sugar. Popping the last bite into his mouth Piggy grinned, showing off a powdered sugar ring around his mouth.
The jostling crowd carried the fellows along the Midway. They stopped and looked at each brightly colored booth selling each selling mouth-watering pies, pastries, toffies, and chocolates. Then they tried their luck at throwing darts and pitching pennies, rode the spinning carousel and soared high up on the Ferris wheel.
“Look, here’s the tent where the Heart of India Ruby is,” said Dink peering in. “Let’s go inside and see,”
They entered the pavilion. Inside, the tent was dark. A single lamp suspended from the ceiling beamed light on a table in the center of the room. A crowd was gathered in front of the table. The boys wormed their way through the crowd to the front.
“Lift me up so I can see.” Dink said turning to Thomas. Thomas lifted Dink up and he saw
a glass dome sitting on top of the table. Under the dome, he saw a silver box. The box was open, and inside was a golden stand. Cradled in the golden stand was the Heart of India Ruby glistening in the spotlight.
“Wow,” cried Dink.  The ruby was the biggest, reddest, sparkliest gem he ever laid eyes on.
“It takes me breath away,” the woman next to Dink gasped.
“Stand back now. Don’t get too close young man,” one of the guards cautioned as Dink leaned on the table. Bromley looked up and saw six large men guarding the priceless ruby.
“I don’t think it would be very easy to steal the Heart of India Ruby,” Bromley said looking at the guards.
“What’s next?” Thomas asked as they left the tent housing the gigantic ruby.
“I want to see the magic show,” offered Piggy.

CH12
Before they walked further, they spotted a tent with a banner which read: THE GREAT FONDO – MAGICIAN EXTRAORDINAIRE.
“This must be the magician’s place,” Piggy exclaimed. They purchased tickets and walked inside. Rows of folding chairs lined the tent. In a corner was a stage built high off the ground. Colorful bunting skirted the stage. On the stage was a large blue box mounted on wheels. “I wonder what that box is for?” Dink asked, pointing toward the stage. “I guess we’ll find out very soon,” Thomas answered as they found seats near the front. Piggy bought a large pail of popcorn.
“Piggy, you just had a huge breakfast of cucumber sandwiches, scones, and tea. Not to mention waffles. How can you be eating again?” Dink questioned.
“Dunno,” Piggy replied stuffing a handful of popcorn in his mouth.
The Great Fondo was backstage in his dressing room, putting on his make-up. He glanced up as Mimi, his pretty assistant, entered the room.
“Where’s my wig?” He said, for he was as bald as an egg. “The show can’t go on until you find it.”
Mimi hurried from the dressing room looking for the lost wig. She found the wig. Fluffy, Fondo’s Persian cat, was sleeping on top of it. Shooing the cat off the mangled wig Mimi cried,
“O dear me, it’s full of cat fur. The Great Fondo is going to be all a temper.”
She shook out the orange wig and returned to the dressing room. Fondo fitted the wig on his head, smoothing it down. After smiling at himself in the mirror, Fondo tossed a cape around his shoulders.
“What are you standing around for? Get on stage, and introduce me,” He snapped at Mimi. Mimi hurried from the dressing room and climbed onto the stage.
She danced onto the center of the stage, and holding out her hand, said,
“Ladies and Gentlemen, give your attention please to The Great Fondo, Magician Extraordinaire.”
With that, Fondo, in his orange wig, and a long black cape leaped onto the stage. With a flourish of his had, he handed his cape to Mimi and made a magnificent bow.
“I am The Great Fondo,” he cried. “Before your eyes, I will do great wonders. Mimi, the box please.” With that, Mimi wheeled the large blue box to the center of the stage.
Fondo turned the box around, so everyone could see the four sides. Then he removed the lock from the front door and opened the box. Mimi stepped inside to show the box was empty. When she emerged, The Great Fondo addressed the audience,
“With magic learned from the great Swami’s of the east, I will cause a person to disappear. Now, who would like to volunteer to step inside this empty box?” The crowd murmured, looking around anxiously. Bromley leaned over and whispered,
“I’m going to see what this is all about.” With that, he raised his hand and stepped into the aisle.
The Great Fondo saw Bromley and pointing to him said, “There is a brave individual. Step right this was my young man.” Bromley strode down the aisle and jumped onto the stage. Fondo placed his hand on Bromley’s shoulder,
“Have we ever met before?” He asked.
“No,” Bromley answered, shaking his head.
“Fine, my good and brave man. Now, would you mind stepping into the box?”
Bromley entered the box. Fondo shut the door, and Mimi affixed the lock. Fondo shook the lock to make sure it was secure.
“Are you all right in there?” Fondo asked, knocked on the door.
“Yes,” Bromley replied.
Mimi turned the box around. Then, the Great Fondo looked at the audience and said,
“I need absolute quiet as I concentrate. The slightest noise will have terrible consequences.” With that Fondo put his hand over his eyes, and appeared to be deep in thought.
At that moment Dink’s nose began to tickle. He squinched up his face trying not to… Ah, ah, ah, Choo. Dink’s sneeze echoed throughout the silent tent.
There was a puff of smoke above the blue box. The audience gasped. Fondo put his ear to the box and tapped on the door.
“Are you still in there?” He called.
No answer. Mimi unlocked the padlock, and Fondo opened the door. The box was empty. Fondo raised his hands to the audience in a show of bravado.
“There you have it, folks. The young man has vanished before your very eyes.” The audience applauded. All except Dink, who thought he had made the trick go wrong with his untimely sneeze. And now Bromley was gone.
When Bromley didn’t return to his seat, Thomas, Piggy, and a tearful Dink became concerned. After the show, they went backstage to Fondo’s dressing room. Thomas peered in the open door. Fondo was seated at his dressing table, wrapped in a red and blue striped bathrobe.
Thomas cleared his throat and stammered, “Excuse me, Fondo your Greatness. We were wondering what happened to our friend, Bromley?”
“How should I know.” Fondo growled removing his orange wig. Fondo knew the act had gone wrong, and he didn’t know what had happened to their friend.
“But, but, you made him disappear,” Thomas argued. “Couldn’t you get him back?”
“That’s not a part of my act,” Fondo replied.
“Oh, please Great Fondo, can’t you tell us where he is,” pleaded Thomas. Finally, to get rid of the troublesome fellows, Fondo made up an answer.
“Your friend is in Neverland,” he said.
“No,” they cried in unison. Thomas, Piggy, and Dink, left the dressing room, and walked through the empty tent with their heads hanging down. Dink snuffed,
“It’s all my fault. I sneezed and the trick was ruined. And now Bromley is in Neverland.”

CH13
Thomas and Piggy Walked on either side of Dink. They put their arms around him and tied to cheer him up.
“There, there, Dink. It wasn’t your fault. That horrible Fondo is to blame, they said.”
As they walked sadly along the Midway, Thomas spied a Fortune Teller’s booth.
“Hey, why don’t we ask the Fortune Teller where Bromley is,” he said pointing to the booth. Deciding that may be a way to find their missing friend, they walked up to the booth. An ancient snaggle-toothed wolf sat before his crystal ball. The wolf, wearing a red turban, peered at them with piercing yellow eyes and said,
“Thomas, Piggy, and Dink hello.
What do you gentlemen what to know?”
            “How does the wolf know our names?” Dink asked, a fearful expression on his face.
“I saw you from a long, long way.
                                                And knew that you would come today.
Tell me what you wish to ask.
To see all is then my task.”
            Thomas gathered his courage and said, “We have a friend who has gone missing. We wondered if you could tell us where he is.”
The old wolf looked into his crystal ball. Then he pointed a long claw-like finger at them and said,
“About your friend, I cannot say.
The future for him is cloudy and gray.
But for you three, I clearly see,
You floating high, above the tree.
The wind will take you as it blows.
And where you land, no one knows.”
            “What does that mean?” Dink asked. The fortune-teller replied,
“Before the evening bell does chime,
You will know the end of my rhyme.”
Thomas, Piggy, and Dink walked away from the fortune-teller shaking their heads. They decided to return to the Gypsy wagon to say good-bye to Maestro, Susie Bear, Peppi, Jester and Bella. Then, they would try to find their way home. Continuing their adventure without Bromley, didn’t seem like much fun anymore. So, heads down they started back toward the Gypsy wagon.
What Fondo didn’t tell the boys, was that the stage had a secret trap door. During the act, Fondo pushed a hidden button.  The trap door opened and Bromley fell under the stage.
Falling through the trap door, Bromley hit his head and was knocked unconscious. He awoke with a pain in his head. Rubbing the hurt, he felt a lump over his left eye. Then he remembered the blue box, falling through the trap door, and everything going black.

Bromley crawled out from under the stage and stood up, feeling a bit wobbly. Looking around he saw the tent was empty. He lifted a corner of canvas at the back of the tent and crawled underneath.
Bromley emerged in the back alley. He leaned against a wagon until the fuzziness in his head went away. He started to walk away, but pulled back when he saw two figures tip-toeing behind the tents. Bromley recognized the two as Foxy and Blackie Bird. “Those two chicken thieves are up to no good,” he muttered to himself. He decided to follow them.

Foxy and Blackie Bird scurried down the back row of tents and turned at the side of the Refreshment tent. Bromley hurried to the tent and peeked around the side. Foxy and Blackie Bird were nowhere to be seen. They had vanished into thin air.

CH14
At side of the Refreshment tent, Foxy lifted the bottom of the canvas and motioned for Blackie to crawl under. Then Foxy wiggled under. They found themselves in the storage room next to the kitchen. From the kitchen, they could hear the clatter of dishes, and the cook shouting orders. Foxy found a waiter’s apron, which he tied around his waist. He handed a chef’s cap to Blackie motioning for him to put it on.
As Blackie placed the cap on his head, Foxy said, “Grab a serving tray. Put six mugs, a pot of cream, and a sugar bowl on the tray.”
“Right Boss,” Blackie replied, placing everything neatly on the tray.
“Wait here until I come back,” Foxy warned.
Foxy picked up the serving tray and stepped into the busy kitchen.  He filled the mugs with steaming tea and returned to the pantry. Then he produced a small glass bottle. He removed the cork and poured a little of the white powder into each mug. Foxy stirred each mug until the powder dissolved. “That should do it,” he exclaimed, picking up the tray. Nodding to a plate of biscuits on the counter Foxy said to Blackie, “Pick up that plate, and follow me.”
Carrying the serving tray, Foxy marched out of the pantry. “Watch out. Coming through,” he hollered and pushed open the swinging doors. Foxy walked through the dining room, and out the front door. Blackie padded along behind carrying the plate of biscuits.

They made their way down the Midway to the Heart of India tent. When they reached the entrance, Foxy swept inside.
“Here we are, gentlemen. Compliments of the Refreshment tent,” he hollered holding out the tea tray, with Blackie offering the plate of biscuits.
“Right ho,” exclaimed a guard, picking up a mug of tea and a biscuit.
“Right nice of you guvnor,” said another guard, as he raised his mug, and slurped his tea.

The other guards left their posts for a mug and biscuit. Moments later the first mug hit the floor. The guard staggered across the room, then dropped to his knees, and fell face down on the floor.
“I feel strange,” another guard cried, holding his head as his knees buckled under him. He dropped to the floor, his mug clinking as it rolled away. The remaining guards soon passed out, tea mugs and biscuits lying beside them.
Blackie Bird turned to Foxy and asked,
“What was that white powder you put in their tea?”
“Sleeping Powder,” Foxy answered with a grin.
Stepping over the fallen guards, Foxy walked to the table in the center of the tent. He removed the glass dome and set it aside. Then he picked up the Heart of India Ruby. For a moment he held the gem to the light, admiring the sparkle. Then he dropped the ruby into a black bag and drew the laces tight. Foxy removed his apron and Blackie removed his chef’s hat. They walked boldly out the front entrance. And stepping into the crowd they disappeared down the Midway.

CH15
Thomas, Piggy, and Dink walked slowly back to the Gypsy Caravan.
“It’s all my fault,” muttered Dink for the hundredth time. “The magician warned us to be quiet. My sneeze ruined everything.” Dink wiped away a tear.
“He was a good and loyal friend,” agreed Thomas.
“Hear, hear,” added Piggy.  “He saved my life. I would have been sausage by now if Bromley hadn’t rescued me.” They walked along, agreeing that Bromley had been the best friend ever.
As they walked past the Heart of India exhibition, a man ran out of the tent.
“It’s gone. It’s gone. The Heart of India ruby has been stolen!” He shouted. Thomas, Piggy, and Dink stopped, staring at the tent in amazement. Thomas pushed through the crowd gathered at the entrance, and peeked in. Turning to Piggy and Dink he hollered, “Let’s go in and see what happened.”
Thomas walked into the tent. Piggy and Dink followed behind him. On the floor were six snoring guards. Six tea mugs and a plate of overturned biscuits littered the floor. In the center of the tent, a single beam of light focused on the empty jewel box. The Heart of India ruby was gone.
Chief Inspector Pennyworth and his police officers pushed through the crowd, and entered the tent. The Chief Inspector glanced at the snoring guards on the floor, and shouted,
“Seal this tent off.” Then walking to the table that had held the missing ruby, he added, “And dust this table for fingerprints.”

Looking around, the Chief Inspector spied Thomas, Piggy, and Dink. Pointing to the boys he yelled, “And get those three out of here. They’re standing in the middle of my crime scene.”
As Thomas, Piggy, and Dink were being escorted from the tent a man rushed in.
“I saw them,” he cried. “One was a reddish foxy looking fellow. The other was a wee bird, black as coal he was. The foxy one was clutching a black bag. They ran out of the tent, and down the Midway toward the meadow.”
Thomas stopped and looked at Piggy and Dink.
“That sounds like Foxy and Blackie Bird,” he said.
“They must have stolen the Heart of India ruby,” Piggy added.
“Come on, let’s chase after them,” cried Dink. The three took off racing down the Midway in the direction of the meadow.
Meanwhile, Bromley searched through all the wagons. He couldn’t find a trace of Foxy and Blackie Bird. “They can’t have disappeared into thin air,” he muttered to himself. “They’re up to something. But where did they go?” The lump on his head was throbbing, and he wanted to find his friends. Bromley stopped and saw he had reached the end of the Midway.
Stretching before him was a large meadow. In the meadow, hot air balloons were being prepared for the afternoon air race. Bromley stopped to admire the colorful balloons.  He noticed woven baskets attached to the bottom of each balloon. They would carry the passengers.

Bromley started to turn back. Then, he saw two figures break through the crowd, and scurry onto the meadow. It was Foxy and Blackie Bird. Foxy was carrying something in a black bag clutched tightly to his chest.
Foxy reached one of the hot air balloons. He untied the lines holding the balloon to the ground. He climbed into the wicker basket. Blackie Bird dove into the basket as the balloon lifted off the ground. Up and up the colorful balloon floated.
Thomas, Piggy, and Dink reached the end of the Midway. Thomas spied the two thieves getting away in the balloon.
“There they are,” he cried, pointing to Foxy and Backie Bird. Thomas, Piggy and Dink raced onto the meadow. They watched as Foxy and Blackie Bird sailed off into the distance.
When Bromley reached the edge of the meadow. he saw three figures running across the field. It was Thomas, Piggy, and Dink. They were chasing Foxy and Blackie Bird. Waving his arms in the air, Bromley ran toward his friends.
“Hey fellows, wait for me!” He shouted. Thomas, Piggy, and Dink heard the shout and looked around.
“It’s Bromley!” They yelled and raced to meet their friend.
“Is it really you?” Dink cried.
“It’s really me Dinky old boy,” Bromley said, putting his arm around the little hedgehog.
“You didn’t come back to your seat. I thought my sneeze made you disappear forever,” Dink sobbed.
“No silly. I hit my head and was knocked unconscious,” Bromley laughed giving Dink a playful punch.
“Foxy and Blackie Bird stole the Heart of India ruby. We’re chasing after them,” Piggy explained.
“I knew they were up to something.  We can’t let them get away. Let’s follow them,” Bromley shouted.

CH16
Bromley, Thomas, Piggy and Dink jumped in a basket. Bromley threw the lines off, and the balloon rose in the air. A strong wind lifted them up. Their balloon raced after Foxy and Blackie Bird.
Bromley looked over the side of the basket. He saw Chief Inspector Pennyworth and his officers run onto the meadow. The Inspector stood with his hands on his hips, watching the balloon carry the jewel thieves sail away.
Chief Inspector Pennyworth ran to the nearest balloon. He showed his badge to the men readying the balloon. The Inspector and his men climbed into the basket and threw off the lines. “Follow that balloon!” Chief Inspector ordered as the balloon rose off the ground. Into the distance sailed the three brightly colored balloons.
As they flew higher and higher, Bromley watched the ground become smaller and smaller. He saw the hills and valleys, the trees and streams float silently by. A bird flew alongside the basket.
Piggy leaned over the side of the basket. He pointed and said,
“Look how tiny the men in that field are.” Piggy leaned farther and farther until he lost his balance. “Help, help,” he cried as he started to plunge headfirst over the side of the basket.
Thomas reached out and grabbed Piggy’s hind leg. Bromley grabbed the other leg. And they hauled the screaming Piggy back into the basket. Piggy sat on the floor of the basket shaking fiercely.
“Oh, thank you, fellows,” he cried when his trembling subsided.
Sitting on the floor, Piggy saw a picnic hamper in the corner. Crawling to the hamper, Piggy opened the lid and discovered a delicious lunch.
“Oh, how lovely,” he exclaimed. He took out a red and white checked napkin and placed it around his neck. Then, he pulled out a sandwich and unwrapped the paper.
“Cream cheese and pimento. My favorite,” he cried as he crammed the sandwich into his mouth. Pawing through the rest of the picnic basket he found a tin of tea cakes.
“Oh, tea cakes. My favorite,” he cried pulling open the lid and stuffing a cake in his mouth.
Carried along by the wind, the three balloons raced over the countryside. Looking ahead, Bromley saw they were nearing a forest. The topmost branches reached far up into the sky. “Something is wrong,” he said. “We shouldn’t be so close to the tree tops.” Bromley looked at Foxy and Blackie Bird’s balloon. It was dipping lower and lower in the sky.
“Look,” he pointed. “They’re heading for the forest and their balloon is losing altitude. If the balloon gets any lower, the basket will be tangled in the branches.” Thomas glanced down and shouted,
“Our balloon is getting lower too!” And looking behind him, he said, “and so is Chief Inspector’s.”
Foxy’s balloon rushed toward the trees. Just as it reached the branches, a gust of wind lifted the basket up. The balloon sailed over the trees. Bromley, Thomas, Piggy, and Dink braced for a crash. When their balloon reached the tree tops, the basket bumped, bumped, bumped over the branches. Snagging here and there, the basket skimmed across the trees. Finally, it broke free of the forest.
“Hip, Hip Hurrah!” They shouted. Looking back, they saw Chief Inspector Pennyworth’s balloon clearing the tree tops. All three balloons had made their way over the trees, and sailed away from disaster.

Bromley saw a railroad track ahead of them. On the other side of the track was a large water tower. They were headed directly for the water tower. The three balloons were going to slam into it. Pointing at the tower, Bromley said, “Hey, fellows, we have a slight problem.”

CH17

Thomas, Piggy and Dink looked where Bromley was pointing. They stared open mouthed as they saw they were rushing toward the tower.
Just then a train whistle sounded. A steam engine pulling a string of passenger cars rounded the bend.
“Look,” Thomas cried leaning over the side of the basket. They watched as Foxy, with the black bag in his hand, and Blackie Bird jumped from their basket.  They landed, sprawled out, on top of a passenger car.
“We have to jump too,” Bromley shouted as their balloon approached the train. The boys stood on the rail until their balloon was over the train. With a mighty leap, they jumped, and landed on top of the car behind the thieves. Bromley, Thomas, Piggy and Dink lay panting, trying to catch their breath. Bromley looked back and saw Chief Inspector and his men land on the car behind them. Then he watched the three balloons smack into the water tower. They flattening onto the side as if they were pasted on.
Bromley saw Foxy and Blackie Bird get to their feet and run along the top of the passenger cars. They were running toward the smoke-belching engine. Bromley motioned for the fellows to follow the thieves. The swaying motion of the train made it difficult for them to keep their balance. Jumping from car to car, they raced after Foxy and Blackie Bird. Chief Inspector and his men stood up and ran along the top of the cars.
As the train rounded a curve, Thomas pointed ahead and cried, “Look!” They looked and saw the train was rapidly approaching a tunnel.
“Drop down, and lay as flat as you can,” Thomas hollered. They squished down on the car as much as they could, hugging the top. The train rumbled through the tunnel. Everything turned as black as night. Bromley felt the ceiling brushing the top of his head. The train blew a shrill whistle that echoed along the tunnel.
“EEEEEEEE!” Piggy screamed, his cry swallowed up by the whistle. The train emerged from the tunnel with the fellows flattened to the top. They sat up, shaking off coal dust. Foxy and Blackie Bird were on their feet again, running toward the engine. Behind them, Chief Inspector and his men were standing up.
Foxy and Blackie Bird climbed over the coal car, and reached the engine. They dropped into the cab. Foxy grabbed the engineer, and pinned him down. Blackie Bird the kicked the brakeman in the shins. Right behind the thieves, Bromley, Thomas, Piggy, and Dink hopped onto the coal car.
“Yuck,” Thomas cried, hopping about like he was on hot potatoes. “I’m getting all dirty stepping on the coal.”
“Pretend it’s licorice,” Dink volunteered.
Bromley peered over the edge of the coal car into the engine cabin. He whispered,
“Thomas, you and I will grab Foxy. Piggy and Dink, you get Blackie Bird,” And they jumped into the cab.
Bromley and Thomas pulled Foxy away from the engineer, and wrestled him to the floor. Thomas held Foxy down, while Bromley pulled the black bag out of his hand. Piggy and Dink grabbed Blackie Bird mid-kick and held him fast. At that moment Chief Inspector Pennyworth, and his men reached the coal car. They jumped into the cab.
“Halt in the name of the law,” Chief Inspector shouted.  Nodding to Bromley, Thomas, Piggy and Dink, he said, “We’ll take over from here, boys.” The policemen proceeded to handcuff Foxy and Blackie Bird. Bromley handed the bag containing the Heart of India ruby to Inspector Pennyworth.

CH18
Foxy and Blackie Bird were locked in the luggage compartment, under guard. The engineer was back at the throttle and the train chugged through the countryside. Bromley, Thomas, Piggy, and Dink rode in the engine cabin, leaning out the sides as the miles flew by.          Nearing a station, the engineer reached up and pulled a chain. Three mighty blasts blew from the whistle. The brakeman threw the brake handle forward. The train pulled to a stop alongside the platform. Foxy and Blackie Bird, were marched from the train into a waiting police wagon. Their heads were bowed in shame.
“I say, well-done,” Chief Inspector said, patting Bromley, Thomas, Piggy, and Dink on the back. Then he gave them a crisp salute before escorting his prisoners away.
Bromley stood on the platform. Looking around he scratched his head.
“What town is this?” he asked the station master. The man pointed to a sign overhead. Bromley looked at the sign and read,
“Hollyfield. That’s why this station seems so familiar. We’re home!”
“Hurray,” they all cheered. It was a wonderful adventure. And somehow, they ended up exactly where they started.
Walking home from the train station, they discussed all the things they had done. They saved Piggy from becoming sausage. They ran from Farmer’s dog and drifted on the river. They found Maestro, Peppi, Jester, Bella, and the gypsy wagon in the woods. They met Susie Bear, and helped put on the wagon wheel. They went to the Fair and learned of the theft of the ruby. They chased the thieves in a hot air balloon. They jumped onto racing train. And helped with the capture of Foxy and Blackie Bird.
They walked along. And Bromley noticed everything looked the same as it did a few days ago. But everything was different. Because of their extraordinary journey, Bromley, Thomas, Piggy, and Dink were not the same as when they started. They didn’t want to say good-bye after their adventure together. Finally, Bromley turned away slowly, and said,
“See you later guys.” Thomas, Piggy, and Dink, raised their arms in farewell, and everyone headed toward his own home.
Bromley entered his front door. He built a cheery fire. Then he made a cup of cocoa, placing a large dollop of whipped cream on top. And sat in his comfortable armchair beside the fireplace. He set his mug of cocoa on the table next to his chair and adjusted the lamp.
Bromley reached for the book sitting on the table. He opened it and turned to the last page he had read. Then, he said to himself, “Let’s see how Mr. Toad and Mr. Badger are coming along.” Settling comfortably in his chair, he read The Wind in the Willows until the grandfather clock in the hall struck midnight.

END