Chapter 10

Now before we go any farther I want to direct your attention to the fact that some of you out there are denying this story ever took place. To address these charges I can only state that I am staking my reputation as a writer on my interpretation of this story and all who doubt me should continue to read as I will be exhibiting proof.

Now, on with the story:

They sat there on that bench and watched
as the people came and went
and Sally sold hot dogs,
each one for fifty cents.
Scottie dreamed of playing ball;
Merlin-- Donald Duck,
but there they sat, each one to wait,
and that was just their luck...

Finally Sally began to close-up her motorcycle hot dog stand for the day. As she packed everything away and took down her red, white, and blue umbrella she turned towards where Merlin and Scottie were sitting and asked, “Are you lost?”

“No, Ma’am,” Scottie replied, “Merlin knows where we are.”

“Quack,” Merlin agreed.

“Okay,” she asked, “then why did the two of you spend the entire afternoon sitting there on that bench?”

“Quack, quack,” Merlin answered, explaining they had spent not only the entire afternoon but the entire morning seated right there on that bench.

“Do you mean to tell me you’ve been here all day?” Sally asked, concern showing on her face as well as in her voice. “Come on, you can tell me.”

“Quack.”

“You’re right,” Scottie agreed, “she does seem really nice.”

“Why thank you, Merlin,” Sally smiled. “Now why don’t the two of you explain to me what your problem is and maybe I can help.”

“Okay,” Scottie replied, “I guess it would be okay.”

“Quack,” Merlin agreed.

Now without going into everything that I’ve already told you all over again, Merlin and Scottie told Sally all about the goings-on of the previous two days including running away from home, the sign on the door, the tacks, Merlin’s bill becoming stuck, not getting to see their favorite movie stars, the man with the hopping box, the chase, and almost starving to death before she came riding up on her hot dog stand. When they were finished she asked, “Is that all?”

“Quack.”

“I think so,” Scottie answered.

“Well I’ve got an idea,” the lady said. “It looks to me as if the man who gave you his box has given-up on getting it back, so rather than spending the night sitting on the bench, why don’t the two of you ride home with me on my motorcycle and I’ll bring you back here with me in the morning.”

Scottie and Merlin looked at each other for a few seconds before Scottie said, “I guess that would be okay, but what if the man comes back looking for his box and we're not here?”

"Why don't you just leave the box on the bench?" Sally suggested. "That way, if he comes back then he'll find it."

"But what if it runs away again?" Scottie asked.

"You said it came back on its own, right?" Sally said. "I think it will be okay, don't you?"

"Okay," Scottie said as he placed the hopping box on the bench and started walking back towards Sally's motorcycle. "Come on Merlin, let's ride on the motorcycle with Sally."

“Quack,” Merlin answered meaning, You and Sally ride on the motorcycle and I’ll fly along behind you.

“I’ll make sure I don’t drive faster than you can fly,” Sally said. “That way you’ll be able to keep up.”

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