Badger the Mystical Mutt and the Crumpled Capers by Lyn McNicol Read Free Book Online

asked Lennie excitedly.
    Pogo Paws and Pickle looked at Lennie in despair, before they all headed off to the bins to see what they could find.
    In the shed, Timmy and Snif shared a few slices of cold toast.
    â€œI’m so sorry about the way I’ve been treating you, Timmy. How can I ever thank you for saving my life yesterday?” asked Snif.
    â€œI’m sure you would have done exactly the same, if you’d been in my position,” said Timmy modestly.
    Snif shrugged and said, “I suppose we don’t know how we’ll react until we’re in that situation, but I know how much cats hate water.”
    â€œIt’s not exactly my
favourite
place to be, especially not freezing cold water, but I didn’t have any choice.”
    â€œWell, I feel like doing something to show the others that cats and dogs can be pals,” said Snif firmly.
    â€œCan’t we just
be
pals?” said Timmy.
    â€œBut you are such a hero, and you lost your badge too. I think it’s important that everyone knows about your bravery. It’s time to banish the age-old myth that dogs and cats loathe each other.”
    â€œWhat about the rest of the gang?” asked Timmy.
    â€œThem?” snorted Snif. “I don’t know why you wanted to be part of us? I’m ashamed to have been their leader.”
    â€œAren’t you still their leader?”
    â€œNo. As of this moment, I resign,” said Snif decisively.
    In the lane, Pogo Paws, Pickle and Lennie had donned their armour and chosen their weapons. They soon picked up Snif’s scentand headed straight for the shed in Badger’s garden.
    Meanwhile, Badger was making his way to the duck pond. When he arrived, Badger held his neckerchief in his paw and addressed it solemnly.
    â€œIt’s going to be dark, it’s going to be wet, and it’s going to be freezing, but I’m afraid I have to ask this of you, ’Chief.”
    He laid his neckerchief on the ice and said:
“’Chief, ’Chief, dive down deep, and fetch Timmy’s collar back to keep.”
    â€™Chief flew across the ice and plunged into the deep black hole.

    Snuggled up in the shed, Snif was still thinking about what to do to bring cats and dogs together.
    â€œIf you’re really serious, Snif, then we could set up some kind of place, where both cats and dogs could go, to maybe get some food and find some company if they’re a bit lonely,” suggested Timmy.
    â€œPerfect. Like a drop-in centre?” said Snif excitedly.
    Just then, Badger returned from his business with ’Chief.
    â€œBrrrr!” said Badger shivering. “I need to dry out my neckerchief.”
    He hung his beloved neckerchief over a hook on the back of the door.
    â€œThere,” said Badger throwing Timmy his collar. “That’s all we could find, I’m afraid. Your badge is long gone.”
    â€œThanks, Badger, and thank you, ’Chief, for trying. Never mind, at least I’ve got my collar back,” said Timmy gratefully.
    Suddenly, the door was booted open and there stood three warriors ready for battle.Pogo Paws had a big silver sieve on his head, and raised a rolling pin high. Pickle held out a black bin lid as a shield, and had an old dishcloth tied around her head. Lennie was wearing a plant pot as a hat and was wrapped in shiny tinfoil.
    â€œRaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa hh!” they roared. “We’ve come to save you, Snif.”

    Badger, Timmy and Snif stopped their cheerful chat and looked up in amazement.
    â€œSave him from what?” asked Badger.
    â€œSo, Snif,” spat Pickle, “you’ve not been in danger at all? You’ve just been busy, cosying up with your new best friends?”
    â€œAfter all we’ve done for you, this is how you repay us?” snarled Pogo Paws.
    â€œI’ve been terribly worried about you,” added Lennie.
    â€œZip it, Lennie!” said Pickle and