“And who,” Adjana went on, “by virtue of his or her quick thinking, should get the object of show and tell?” asked Adjana.
“Raymondo!” cried the crowd. “Raymondo!”
Perkins came back now, picked up the sword, and brought it to Ray.
“Holy Crow,” said Ray. “You mean, I won something?”
“It’s yours,” said Perkins. “One of Alexander’s swords, to be held by your hands for the remainder of the day.”
A furious burst of applause followed this and Ray seemed dumbfounded. He kept staring at the sword. Now he raised it aloft to salute the crowd and got a great roar of approval.
“And who should get the mighty word for the day?” Perkins went on.
A hundred voices rang out with “Bumpus! Billy Bumpus. He should get it!”
When they first started up, I actually thought they were calling out some other kid’s name. I just sat there grinning like a prime dodo. Finally Harriet nudged me in the ribs and said, “Billy, it’s you!”
Perkins laughed. “Come forward, young man.”
I set my trumpet down carefully, then walked out and joined the Lion. To say I was nervous doesn’t really describe how overwhelmed I felt.
“By virtue of your courage in bringing the book back to McGinty,” cried Perkins, “and your true and deep understanding of today’s word, you have earned the golden chain with the word ‘pothos’ spelled out in blue lapis lazuli.”
There was deafening applause at this, but I was so dazed I’m not sure I was aware of much of anything. I tried to say something, but I got emotional and my throat squeezed shut. All I could do was nod like a bobblehead and grin. Perkins lifted up a dazzling golden chain with the six letters in blue lapis and held them up so everyone could see them. Then he put the chain around my neck.
“Keep up the fight, young man,” said Perkins.
“I will,” I managed to stammer.
The band started up with “The Young Shall Ride Unicorns.”
Immediately two burly Tats grabbed me and hoisted me onto their shoulders. A great cheer went up from the crowd as someone handed up my trumpet. I looked over and saw Harriet and Ray being lifted onto the broad shoulders of other Tats. Now the three of us were brought together at the head of a great procession, and we started off out of the pool area. Glancing back, I saw Lilah and Teddy had joined in and were marching with the Grotto teachers. We paraded around the building twice, with me wearing the golden necklace, Ray holding the sword aloft, and Harriet clasping the silver ball to her heart.
We were just starting around the third time when Adjana caught up with me. “I need to talk to you,” she called. The burly guys lowered me to the ground.
“I’ll catch up later,” I said to the Tats. They grinned and went on.
Adjana eyed me gravely. “You did really well in there.”
“Thanks. It was a terrific class.”
She lifted those wondrous eyebrows. “So how much time do you think you wasted?”
I looked at her a moment, then muttered an embarrassed “Duwang. How stupid can I be? The fact is, it was the greatest class I’ve ever been in.”
“And do you feel, perhaps, a bit inspired?”
“Truthfully,” I said, “I feel like I could fly. I’m not kidding.”
She gave me a faint smile. “It’s funny you should use that phrase, because before the hour is up we hope you’ll be doing just that.”
I gave her a baffled look. “What do you mean?”
“You’re going to fly to the Book Mountains.”
50
now now, mr. hasting that’s not nice
I gave Adjana a stunned look. “What are you talking about? I thought we were trapped down here?”
“It’s all changing, Billy.” She took a deep breath. “I just got two messages during class that have put us on another track entirely. First, let me give you the bad news. We just received word that the Stormies are working to unseal the old tunnel leading down to the Grotto. Mingley evidently found out you’re here so she’s sent them after you.” Adjana drew a shuddering breath. “She’ll do anything to keep McGinty from getting his book.”
I cleared my throat and tried to steady my voice. “You mean the Stormies are on their way down here, right now? How close are they?”
“If our sources are accurate,” replied Adjana grimly, “they can’t be more than two or three hours from breaking through. In other words, very close.”
“Holy Crow,” I said, borrowing a bit from Ray. “That’s scary. So how do the Book Mountains come in?”
“That’s part of the good news. Eddie Alfonso and his Tat friends just sent me a message saying their secret project is ready. They’ve been working outside of the regular classes on the project. If it works, you and your friends will be flying out of here very shortly, headed for the Book Mountains to find McGinty. But there’s something else I have to tell you. You deserve to know why you couldn’t go swimming with the others.”
I began nodding. “Yeah, what’s the deal? I mean, that really bothered me.”
“I know, and I’m sorry for that. But let me explain the reason. You were chosen for this mission out of thousands of boys and girls. It’s a dangerous and difficult assignment that most adults would fail at. And yet we’ve asked you to do it. But in order to carry it out, you need to be sharp and clear-minded about everything. Especially later in the mission, you’ll have to have all your wits about you in order to survive and finish the job.” She waited to see if I understood all this.
“Okay,” I said. “All that may be true, but why can’t I jump in the dumb pool?”
“Because, Billy, the Grotto water has great powers. It not only heals and refreshes the mind and body, it also makes it easier to forget about bad past experiences. All the kids who end up down here—the teachers too—usually need the waters to bring back their health, particularly after dealing with Mingley and her classes.”
“So Harriet and the others are going to forget all the rotten stuff that happened at Ming’s school, right?”
Adjana sighed. “They won’t forget everything, but the details will be blurred and softened. Then the ride back to the surface will take care of the rest. But don’t you see? You can’t afford to forget anything. Nothing can be blurred for you. You must concentrate every fiber of your being in order to finish the mission.” She gave me a pleading look out of those blue-green eyes. “I know it’s a lot to ask of you, and it isn’t fair. I just hope you understand.”
“What the heck,” I said, “of course I understand. It’s no biggie. I just need to keep a clear head.” I grinned at her. “That’s hard enough for me to do on a normal day.” I frowned. “But there is one person who really needs a dip in the pool, and that’s Jack. Some really awful things happened to him back at Ming’s school and he hasn’t been the same since. Maybe if you could talk him into a swim, he might change his mind and go with us to the Book Mountains.”
“That’s a wonderful idea,” said Adjana, “and maybe we have a chance yet because here comes your Mr. Hastings.”
I looked up and saw Jack coming our way, walking along the edge of the pool.
“Perhaps you’d better get out of sight,” murmured Adjana. “He may be a bit difficult, and he’s already a tad angry with you.”
“A tad is right.” I scurried behind a large stone pillar and crouched down. Off in the distance, I could hear the parade making its way around the building. Now I heard Jack’s muffled voice. Right away I could tell he was still grumpy. I took a chance and peeked around the pillar.
Adjana was holding out a pair of baggy orange bathing trunks to Jack, and I saw him rudely brush them away.
“Lady, I’m not wearing that ridiculous outfit, and I’m not taking a dip in your pool. Why on earth would I want to do that?”
Adjana said something in reply, and Jack merely snorted and started away. “I just came to say goodbye,” he said. “I’m on my way out of here.”
Adjana raised her voice. “And how do you propose to get out of here, Mr. Hastings?”
“I’m going back up the sewer pipe,” replied Jack, testily. “I came down the blasted thing—I ought to be able to go back up it!”
“Jack, don’t be dumb.” I moved out into the open. “For crying out loud, you’ll kill yourself doing that.”
Jack groaned. “Bumpus, you’re worse than flypaper, you know that?”
“Jack, if you’d listen a minute,” I said. “Adjana knows a way to get out of here.”
“Forget it, kid. I don’t want to hear any more of your crazy ideas. Just leave me out of it!” He turned and started along the edge of the pool.
That’s when the madness overtook me. I put the trumpet down, then broke into a run with my arms out stiffly in front of me. Adjana’s eyes widened as I sprinted by her. Jack didn’t even see me coming. When I smacked into him, I sent him rocketing into the pool. He made the biggest belly-flopper of the year and water flew everywhere.
For a second I teetered on the edge of the pool, but like lightning Adjana’s hand shot out and caught me. We stood there eyeing each other. I think we were equally astounded at what I had done.
Jack came up blowing like a big whale. “Bumpus,” he began, then fell into a fit of coughing, “you’d better find a distant planet to hide on, because when I get out of here …” He swam to the edge of the pool and started to hoist himself out.
That’s when I snatched up the long-handled pool strainer and thunked it against his chest, sending him butt-over-teacup back into the water.
“Oh my granny’s glasses,” cried Adjana. “You shouldn’t have done that!”
“Too late to worry about it,” I said. I grinned at her. “We’re both in too deep.”
Adjana giggled suddenly. “You’re right.” She leaned over and extended her hand to Jack. “Here, let me help you out, Mr. Hastings.” She pretended to give me a dirty look. “I can’t imagine what Billy was thinking. Such behavior!”
Jack, fuming and hollering like a maniac, actually took her hand, but when he was halfway out, Adjana let go. Back in he went like a ton of lead.
Now I started to giggle. I couldn’t help myself.
Adjana pulled me close. “Get out of here quickly and let me handle the rest.” She let loose with a burst of muffled laughter. “Run, Billy!”
I did. I snatched up my trumpet and ran as hard as I could. Behind me, I heard Adjana utter one last line. “Now, now, Mr. Hastings, that’s not nice.”
That made me laugh so hard I thought my sides would split.
When I rejoined the parade, the Tats hoisted me up again and took me through the swirling crowd right to the front with Harriet and Ray.
“Where did you go?” Harriet leaned toward me, her eyes sparkling.
Over the loud music I tried to tell her what had happened with Jack. I thought she heard me because her mouth widened into a shocked “O.” She had her tats bring her closer, and I thought she was going to say something about how mad Jack would be, but instead she whispered in my ear, “Your Amberlight spot is gone! It must be due to all the good stuff that’s happened down here.”
I grinned at her. “Must be. I feel terrific. And I’ve got some big news for all of us.” I motioned Ray to come closer.
Just then Lilah and Teddy came pushing through the crowd and joined us. “We’re so proud of you guys!” cried Lilah.
I tried to pull them all into a tighter circle. “We’re getting out of here!” I yelled. “We’re going to the Book Mountains!”
Harriet and Ray looked stunned. Teddy signed what I’d said, but Lilah had read my lips and her dark eyes widened.
“When?” she blurted out.
“Right away, I guess.” I didn’t get a chance to say anything more because Perkins and Toddwilly abruptly stopped the parade and waved the band silent.
Perkins hurried over to our group. He approached Harriet and said something in a low, apologetic voice. Harriet nodded and handed the silver ball back. Then Ray had to give up the sword.
When Perkins came for my golden necklace, I could tell by the tense look on his face that something was terribly wrong.
51
rumble fish
“We’ve got to get you and your friends to the shop building and quickly,” Perkins said. He looked pale and his lips were set in a grim line.
“Is it Ming?” I asked.
He nodded. “The Stormies moved faster than we thought. They’re very close to breaking through.”
This news spread like wildfire through the crowd and for a moment there was a surge of panic.
Perkins raised his hand and called out. “To arms! You know your stations!”
The crowd broke up quickly, with kids and teachers racing off in all directions. Perkins made sure Lilah and Teddy were with us, then motioned for us to follow him. He led us at a quick trot, heading up a steep pathway into the rocks.
We passed between two large rock formations and found ourselves inside a flat area about the size of a baseball diamond. A large stone building stood at the far end. A sign on the front said SHOP CLASS. We raced across the flat ground and when we reached the building, Perkins pushed back some big double doors.
We followed him into a work area filled with bustling Tattaloonies. A hulking, tarp-covered object sat in the middle of the room. It looked like the Tats were just finishing work and carting away their tools.
Eddie stepped into view, followed by Fiddler and O.D. “We gotta move!” cried Eddie to Perkins. “Where’s Adjana?”
“I’m here.” Adjana came in behind us, flushed and out of breath. She was carrying a sword, and I noticed right away how easily she held it. Her eyes swept over the tarp-covered object. “Is everything ready?” she asked Eddie.
Eddie nodded. “Yeah, ready as it’s ever going to be.” He turned to O.D., Fiddler, and the other Tats. “Pull the tarp off!”
Quickly, they began hauling back the tarp. My eyes widened. What stood before me looked like a gigantic hodgepodge of school junk.
“Jeezo-peezo,” I heard Teddy mutter. “What the Sam Tunkett is that?”
“That,” cried Eddie, proudly, “is the Rumble Fish!” He shot me a little pleased look. “Happens to be the title of a terrific book I like.”
“Right, it’s a book by S.E. Hinton,” I said.
“But what does it do?” Lilah asked. “I mean, this thing, not the book?
Eddie winked at us. “This baby flies! And it’s going to take you straight to the Book Mountains!”
“You’re joking,” said Teddy. He looked quite pale.
“For your sake,” said Eddie grimly, “I hope I ain’t.”
The Tats began pushing the Rumble Fish outside. As it passed by, I got a better view. To me it looked like a cross between a primitive helicopter and a huge old biplane. The wings were constructed from the tops of cafeteria tables, parts of the fuselage came from blackboards, the propellers looked like oversized classroom ceiling fans, and the engines looked like overgrown Bunsen burners. To top it off, the Tats had patched the sides with book covers, which made the whole thing look like a lending library with wings.
Ray gave an appraising look and called out, “Flame on, man. Great design!”
“Eddie and the Tattaloonies have been working on it for two years,” said Adjana. You could see how proud she was. “It’s made entirely from scrap pieces stolen by my renegade friends in Monkeyopolis, then tossed over the Cliffs of Notes. Eddie and the others have just put the finishing touches on it.” At that moment one of the propellers fell off with a loud clang.
“Whoa, there’s a touch they didn’t finish,” I said faintly.
“Always a bug or two to work out!” Eddie grinned as he and Fiddler climbed a ladder and wrestled the propeller back on.
I gave Adjana a look of doubt mixed with fear. “I hate to ask this, but who—?”
She held up a hand and stopped me. “I can answer that right now, Billy. It looks like Mr. Has
tings won’t be going. He left in a bit of a huff after the pool episode. So, yes, I’m afraid you’ll be flying it.”
Before I could protest, O.D. and Fiddler rushed over and began helping me into a baggy flight jacket, while Eddie jammed a pilot’s cap on my head. The other Tats were slapping me on the back and whooping it up.
Eddie beamed at me. “You’re the man!”
I tried to protest to Adjana, but she hurried away, shouting instructions to other Grotto teachers. My voice was lost in the racket as the Tats grabbed me and hauled me toward the hatch of the Rumble Fish.
The next thing I knew, I was being strapped into the pilot’s seat, my trumpet hurriedly shoved on the floor underneath me. I whined and called out objections right and left, but no one seemed to pay any attention. It would be neat if I could report that I felt courageous, but the awful truth is, I was petrified with fear. There was no way I could fly this contraption.
Amid all the confusion, I managed to take in a few details. Harriet was my co-pilot. Lilah would be both navigator and waist gunner, while Ray would man the radio and handle the second waist gun if necessary. Teddy was the tail gunner.
A sudden burst of gunfire came from the rear of the plane, and I heard Teddy yelling, “I told you I didn’t want to be a gunner! I hate loud noises!”
“Did he hit anyone?” Eddie yelled toward the back.
Someone called back “No!” and Eddie expelled his breath. “That’s lucky.”
“Why?” I asked. “What kind of ammo is he using?”
Eddie tried to hide a grin. “Actually, big paper wads. But trust me, they’re dried and hard as rocks and they could really hurt.”
In a daze, I watched as they strapped Harriet into the co-pilot’s seat. She looked pale, but I also saw determination in those golden-brown eyes.
“All right, let’s fire those engines up!” cried Eddie. “I’ll give you guys a hand and get ‘em going, and then me, O.D., and Fid will jump out.”
Brass Monkeys Page 26
