~Chapter 11~
The Lucky 7 Train to Saint Louis
"Can you believe this Chug, Panthera is here in town, but where is Charlie? I forgot to ask Mr. Beamer the other night."
"I know Louis. I cannot really believe this is all happening. I feel a lot like I did that night last year, when we slept in Mr. Beamer's cornfield, before we left to the North Pole. It's all so exciting, seeing Panthera again was so special, and you're right, where is our Charlie?"
"I bet he's still up in the North Pole running things. I'd put money on it, that he's so busy that he just could not make it down here."
"Yeah that's it Chug. He's just busy, but I know he knows what's going on. He will be here soon I just feel it. Man Chug, it's so hard being a kid sometimes. It's hard enough to get your homework done on time, do your chores, keep your room clean and then, just try being a hero or the "Chosen One". It's not all it's cracked up to be.
All I ever wanted to do was play baseball, go to school, study all I can, and get into college. You know the regular stuff that all kids want to do. But I kind of knew there was something with me way back when, especially with all that daydreaming and vision stuff was going on."
"Well Louis, from what you told me happened in Mr. Beamer's attic this morning, and from what happened last night, if I were you I would do what you have to, to get this over with, be brave and just don't fight it. We can be kids again later. There will always be time for that. Heck I plan on being a kid at heart my whole life."
"Good tip Chug. I like that idea...being a kid at heart, for life."
"Now back to the serious stuff. As I have told you many times Louis, I will help you all I can."
"You're right Chug, let's get serious, let's get this done. I've made a decision and since we're blood brothers, I'm going to need your help again."
"Sure Louis. What's your plan?"
"I've been thinking most of the morning long, and part of last night about this problem; I've finally got a plan.
"What is it Louis? I'm in..."
"First off, Chug I'm going to Saint Louis tonight. I need to get that magic bell, those maps, and that compass back from Squint. We cannot move forward with the bigger plan of stopping evil, without those things in our possession first. That's what Mr. Beamer said, and that's what that book showed us. I'm going tonight on the ten o'clock train, the Lucky 7 train out of the Centerville station. Will you go with me?"
"You've got a better chance of putting handcuffs on a rattlesnake, than keeping me off that train Louis."
"Great Chug, meet me at the old yellow farmhouse, where Mr. Periwinkle lives. You know where Black Tilly stole that old milk-wagon, a few years back. It's right on the edge of town, and close to the water tower and train station. Meet me out there at nine, OK Chug?"
"OK Louis. I'll be there at nine, sharp."
Louis offered Chug the secret handshake that only two real friends could share. Both boys climbed down from the loft in Mr. Beamer's barn then headed for the front barn doors, just as excited as two young adventurous boys could get.
"I've got to go tell Molly what's going on. See ya tonight Chug."
"See ya."
Chug headed home on his bike, as Louis road off in the other direction, towards Molly's house. All Louis could think about was that book, and what lied ahead for him in his immediate future. Would Molly understand? Would his parents understand that he had to right a wrong?
He had to go to Saint Louis.
Molly was sitting in the afternoon sun under a large willow tree at the far end of her parent's farm, reading a book, when Louis approached on his bike.
"Ah, there you are Molly. I was going to go over to your house, but here you are instead."
"Hey Louis, I have not seen you since last night, boy that sure was something?huh? Imagine you're the Child-King and my boyfriend at the same time. Talk about making all the other girls in school jealous."
"Molly you forgot to mention that I'm a hero as well, and related to Ramesses II. If we're going to brag a little...then...then let's go...all the way."
"Louis, do you want me to punch you in the stomach again to cure your, high opinion of yourself?"
Louis lips clenched together, and his eyes went beady as he rubbed his stomach.
"No, no more punching Molly. You made your point already. Sorry I forgot for a minute. No hero complex or worries found here."
"Good. Now what's up? Why'd you come by?"
"Well I have to go to Saint Louis tonight with Chug. We have to save the world."
"Louis...!"
Molly's fist, clinched tightly.
"No Molly, I'm being serious. I was with Mr. Beamer this morning, up in his attic. We did some more reading in that magic book. I figured that we have no other choice to end what's coming, with this evil stuff. I have to go to the Saint Louis jail where Squint or what's his other name, oh yeah, Petar...where he lives.
I need to go get that mysterious compass, those ancient maps, and that magic bell back, that Pete stole from me last year on the Great Lake. Turns out they are important, but were not sure just why yet. Chug is going with me.
I just came by to borrow some clothes from you, and a few wigs from your mom. I also need to borrow your Crimson Passion lipstick. I've come up with a real spectacular plan to steal those things back from Pete."
"Just from hearing what you need, it doesn't sound like much of a spectacular plan, to me. Lay it on me, what have you thought of Einstein."
"Molly, have faith in me...already. Here listen up..."
"Go on..."
"Now I was thinking of taking the ten o'clock train out of Centerville tonight; it takes about an hour to get to Saint Louis, and it has a stop right in the heart of the Saint Louis jail.
There's a loading, and unloading dock right in the prison courtyard. I remember seeing pictures of it in the newspapers a few years back. Now, I thought we could borrow your mom's wigs, some of your girly clothes, and use your Crimson Passion lipstick and rouge."
"Why...?"
"You see...Chug and I could dress up like girls so they would not recognize us and if we had to, we could both do a song and dance in the courtyard, to distract them for a bit. This would get those Missouri Rats all excited, and forgetting to do their watching, or their chores, or whatever they do there. Then when we're all done they would invite us to stay the night; you know being entertainers and all. Then when they're all asleep, we'd sneak around the jail, until I find those things we need. Then we'd take the morning train back to Centerville. Well what do ya think, Molly?"
"That's a terrible plan..."
"Terrible? Why's that Molly? I thought it was a pretty good one."
"Well Louis, again you didn't invite me. Just like when you planned on going to the North Pole last year. If you're going off again on some crazy adventure, and this one does sound crazy...then you have to take me with you."
"That sounds really good to me. Just imagine now performing at the Saint Louis jail all the way from Centerville the Chosen Ones and Hot Tamale Tom?a one night only performance!"
Louis, are you nuts? Why do you get top billing on that marquee? My name should be first. I'm the real star here. You haven't been chosen for nothing yet."
"Oh I forgot," said Louis as he once again rubbed his stomach.
"I'm glad you got your memory back, and just in the nick of time."
"Alright Molly, now me and Chug are meeting down at the old yellow farm house right at the edge of town, at Mr. Perwinkle's house. Be there at nine and bring two wigs and dresses for me and Chug, and some extra make-up."
"I'll bring Hot Tamale Molly," said Molly as she rolled over in the grass away from Louis.
Louis winched in pain a little bit, thinking about seeing Ole' Hot Tamale Molly again, but he knew he would need
all the help he could get.
Charlie the Great White Horse and the Journey to Egypt Page 19
