Badger the Mystical Mutt and the Barking Boogie by Lyn McNicol Read Free Book Online

“We’d better start looking for him then. Jump on my back, wee one.”
    In a street far from the lane, Dodgy Dave was weary from running for so long. He stopped by a street light and tapped his paws on the ground.
    â€œNo more cha-cha-chas for me,” he sighed. “My only dancing will be solo from now on.” He looked up at the yellow lamp and, out of the corner of his eye, spied a sign on a rickety garage door, which read:
    â€œMighty Motors. Security Dog Required. Immediate Start. Apply Within.”

    Back in the lane, Badger and Cheryl scoured every nook and cranny: in the wheelie bins; in garden sheds; under grass cuttings; and the old worn out tyres. But Dodgy Dave was nowhere to be found.
    Badger’s tummy rumbled and he stopped to scratch his head.
    â€œWhy are you stopping, Badger? We have to search through the night. We need to find him,” said Cheryl, getting more and more flustered.
    â€œI think I need some toast,” said Badger.
    â€œWhat? Toast? How can you think of food at a time like this?” she screeched.
    â€œTrust me, Cheryl. Follow me.”
    When Badger reached his garden, Cheryl hopped off his back angrily.
    â€œYou and your toast! We have no time for this now, Badger.”
    â€œSsssssh,” whispered Badger.
    Sparkles of light twinkled around Badger as he closed his eyes and concentrated hard.
    Suddenly, a large slice of slightly burnt toast floated in front of his nose. He caught it in his big paws and held it up close to his eyes.
    Cheryl’s eyes widened.
    â€œNow, let me see,” said Badger, peering at the slice of toast.
    Slowly, an image appeared in the middle of the toast: a garage door with a sign saying Mighty Motors .
    â€œCome on, Cheryl. I know where that is. That’s where Dodgy Dave is. The toast never lies.”

    Cheryl jumped on Badger’s back and they set off up the lane and beyond. When they reached Mighty Motors , they saw Dodgy Dave barking ferociously.
    â€œThere he is,” shouted Cheryl in joy.
    Dodgy Dave looked up from his barking, and wagged his tail weakly at them. He hauled himself to his paws and tried shakily to stand, but fell on his side.
    Badger and Cheryl looked in horror at the chains and the iron cuff clamped around his ankle.
    â€œDon’t move, Dodgy Dave,” shouted Badger, as he tapped his neckerchief and uttered the words:
    â€œShow Koo Ray, Show Koo Ray ,
    Find the key to take chains away.”
    Badger’s neckerchief unfurled from his neck and flew towards the garage door. It slithered underneath and returned quickly with a ring of keys.
    Cheryl and Badger rushed to Dodgy Dave and tried each key until they found the one that fitted.

    â€œThere,” said Badger proudly. “You’re free!”
    Dodgy Dave tried to stand again, but with no luck.
    â€œWhat is it, Dodgy Dave. Why can’t you stand?” asked Cheryl anxiously.
    â€œIt’s my back leg, Cheryl. I can’t feel it at all.”
    Badger put his paw on Dodgy Dave’s leg. It was wet and sticky.
    â€œI can’t see in the dark, but it doesn’t look too good. I think we need to get you back to the lane to have a proper look,” said Badger.
    â€œI can’t go back there,” said Dodgy Dave. “The Dog Catcher was chasing me when I left.”
    â€œThat wasn’t the Dog Catcher, Dodgy Dave,” said Cheryl smiling. “That was Anton Du Bark, and he has a marvellous offer for us both. It’s all going to be fine. You and I will be able to dance together forever.”
    Just then Dodgy Dave slumped. Cheryl flung her arms across his broad back in anguish.
    â€œCome on, Cheryl. Can you help me lift him? We need to examine that leg in the light. Let’s get him back to my garden.”
    Badger hoisted one of Dodgy Dave’s arms around his shoulder, taking most of his weight, and Cheryl grabbed his other side. His legs dragged heavily along the