Badger the Mystical Mutt and the Crumpled Capers Read Online Free Page A

“Why don’t you try playing something by Beethoven? I think a Sonata should do it.”

    Badger walked over to the piano and sat down at the stool. He fluffed out his tail, straightened his neckerchief and shook out his paws. He lifted the lid and began to play the opening notes of Beethoven’s
Moonlight Sonata
.
    Timmy looked on in awe as the black and white keys started to lift at one end of the piano, and weave into the air. Soon, the rest of the keys had followed and a staircaseformed, reaching up to the stars.
    Timmy watched in wonder.
    â€œSee you when you get back,” shouted Captain Bravebark, as Badger beckoned for Timmy to join him on the bottom step.
    â€œC’mon, Timmy, we’ve got quite a climb ahead.”
    They leapt up the stairs two at a time. After seventy-three-and-a-half flights, they were both huffing and puffing.

    â€œJust a few more steps and we’re there. I can see the top,” said Badger encouragingly.
    As they climbed the remainingstairs, they heard strange mutterings and annoyed tuttings from above.
    â€œThat sounds like Nippy,” sighed Badger.
    â€œHe doesn’t seem very pleased to see us,” said Timmy.
    They popped their heads through the mist at the top of the ivory staircase to see cotton-wool fluffiness and a very grouchy cloud.
    â€œIs there no escaping you, Badger the Mystical Mutt? And who is this you have with you this time?” bellowed Nippy Nimbus.
    â€œHi, Nippy. This is Timmy. Can you let us through, please?”
    â€œWhere’s that pesky contraption you usually come in?”
    â€œThe Wim-Wim is getting its MOT. Captain Bravebark loaned me the Tangerine Piano and, I must say, it’s always a delight to see you, Nippy,” said Badger pleasantly.
    â€œOkay, what’s the password then?”
    Badger scratched his chin and whispered to Timmy, “I hate this bit. He always tries to catch me out.

    â€œOkay,” said Badger. “
Who let the dogs out
?”
    â€œNope!” smirked Nippy. “Try again.”
    Badger puffed and thought again. He looked at Timmy and tried, “
Cool for cats
?”
    â€œClose … but no. One last try.”
    Badger looked again at Timmy and grinned. “Right, last try. How about …
What’s new pussycat?”
    Nippy groaned. Badger had outwitted him again. “Be on your way then.”
    Reluctantly, Nippy let them through.
    In front of them shone a dazzling light. Timmy shielded his eyes.
    â€œOh!” said Badger “We’ve been fast-tracked straight to the Crystal Cave.”
    And there, in front of them, stood Baby Unicorn.
    â€œI heard the ivories tinkle and saw the rainbow shimmer, so I’ve been expecting you,” winked the unicorn. “Step inside!”

Timmy followed Badger, who followed the
clip-clop
sound of Baby Unicorn’s hooves as he led them both deep into the cave.
    Timmy’s eyes widened in wonder at the blaze of light inside. They walked under a dazzling crystal archway, past a stunning display of crystal rocks, and into a dimly lit chamber.
    Timmy rubbed his eyes as they adjusted from the brightness. Everything was hushed.
    â€œWhat happens now?” he whispered.
    â€œJust watch,” said Badger.
    Baby Unicorn pointed his head towards the smooth rock on the cave wall. A beam of light whooshed out from the horn in the middle of his forehead. The cave wall flickered into motion like a movie screen.

    There, Timmy saw an image of Snif as a much younger dog, chasing a burly tomcat across a field.
    â€œThat’s Snif!” yelled Timmy excitedly.
    â€œThat’s right. Watch and see what happens next,” said Badger.
    Back on the screen, Snif was catching up and, just as he was about to pounce, the cat shot upwards and bounded over a spiked railing.

    Snif tried to leap the railing too, but he wasn’t as nimble as the cat and couldn’tclear it. He landed slap bang in the middle of