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

ground.
    When, finally, they arrived back in the garden, Badger lay Dodgy Dave gently down on the grass, where the street lamps from the lane shone their light on his injured leg.
    â€œIt’s worse than we thought, Cheryl,” said Badger grimacing.
    Dodgy Dave had a huge gash on his leg. The iron cuff had cut it to the bone. Red patches of blood had crusted around the wound, but it was still bleeding.
    â€œOh no!” cried Cheryl. “He’s never going to dance again.”
    Dodgy Dave closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
    A while later, he awoke with a groan. His leg hurt badly and his head was fuzzy. He opened his eyes to see Badger and Cheryl looking down at him with concern.
    â€œYour leg has completely swollen up,” said Cheryl. “It looks really sore.”
    Dodgy Dave caught sight of his injury and breathed out noisily. “That’s worse than I realised. I don’t think I’ll be dancing again, Cheryl.”
    She turned anxiously to Badger and pleaded with all her heart. “Is there any magic you can do to help?”
    â€œLet me think,” said Badger softly. “Maybe ’Chief can help us.”
    He tapped his red-spotted neckerchief. It untied and floated flatly over Dodgy Dave’s leg.

    Badger knelt on the grass, placed his paw gently on Dodgy Dave, then uttered the magic words:
    â€œShow Koo Ray, Show Koo Ray ,
    Use your healing magic to take the pain away.”
    Dodgy Dave was silent. Cheryl watched in awe as sparkles of light twinkled around the puffy leg. A few moments passed then Badger stood up and said:
    â€œTry and move your leg now, Dodgy Dave … but easy does it.”
    Badger’s neckerchief floated slowly away from Dodgy Dave’s leg and wrapped itself back around Badger’s neck.
    â€œThanks, ’Chief,” said Badger, tapping it gratefully. “Let’s hope you’ve worked your magic again.”
    Dodgy Dave flinched in pain as he tried to stand, but he couldn’t.
    â€œThanks for trying to help, Badger, but I’m still in agony. My leg is no better. I can’t move it at all.”
    Badger sighed heavily and looked at Cheryl sadly.
    â€œI think we found our friend too late. The iron cuff has slashed his leg too deeply for even my trusty ‘Chief to help.”
    Cheryl leaned over Dodgy Dave and patted his fur fondly.
    â€œNever mind about the Barking Boogie , I just want you to get better.”
    Dodgy Dave tried to smile, then laid his head on the grass.
    â€œPerhaps a good night’s sleep will help,” said Badger hopefully. “Things always look brighter in the morning.”
    As Dodgy Dave’s breathing became heavier and deeper, Cheryl and Badger laid down beside their friend, hoping that sunrise would bring good news.
    But they were worrying more that it wouldn’t.

It was late afternoon. Cheryl nudged Badger awake, unable to believe that they had all slept for most of the day. She glanced at Dodgy Dave’s leg, forlornly. Then looked again in shock. She gave Badger another shake as she looked at Dodgy Dave’s leg in amazement. The swelling had completely gone and the red wounds had all knitted together.
    Badger woke with a start. He had been dreaming of higgledy-piggledy towers of toast. As both dogs sniffed around Dodgy Dave’s clean wound, he opened his eyes.
    â€œWow!” said Dodgy Dave, getting up. “Whatever your neckerchief did, Badger, it seems to have worked.” He shook both his legs.
    Badger touched ‘Chief and quietly uttered his thanks.
    â€œNow I can’t remember which one was sore,” quipped Dodgy Dave.
    â€œRight,” said Cheryl firmly. “Now, no more security guard dog for you! We have a real job to do.”
    Dodgy Dave shook his head and said, “I don’t understand.”
    â€œDon’t you remember last night? We told you how Anton Du Bark wanted you and me to go on tour and trip the light