29. Pumbaa and the Big Chase

One day, Ray-Ray was waiting to collect people

from Ariel's load. ''Eeek! We'll be late! Where's Ariel? She''

never usually makes us late! Oh, dear, what can the

matter be?'' the driver sang. ''Henry is stuck in...

Don't worry about Henry. said the worker. Just go

up on top, and look for Ariel. Do you see her? No.'' said the driver. ''But I see Pumbaa in a big hurry. Never mind with him. He's probably on a wagon tour. He climbed down.

''Wait, wait! I have Ariel's people!'' cried Pumbaa, coming

up near the crossing. It was no use. Ray-Ray had disappeared.

Oh! said Pumbaa. ''Ariel's driver didn't come to work today! I don't know WHY I promised''

to help. That is that, Pumbaa. A promise is a promise, and we have to keep it. said the worker.

''I must get Ray-Ray! I must!'' said Pumbaa. I don't feel so well. he said as he went up the hill.

''My legs won't stop hurting Yippie! I think I see him! Oh, my! Ray-Ray's at a junction. No, he's at a gate! Yippie!''

Pumbaa ran down. Stop! said Pumbaa. He then watched Ray-Ray leave. I'm so sorry. Pumbaa said. Don't worry. said the people. ''You almost got him. You're third-time lucky. Do you think we can catch Ray-Ray at the junction?'' they asked the worker. Good chance. the worker said. ''We can go up hills much better than Ray-Ray. I will make sure.'' He talked to the master. Pumbaa and the people waited for a long time. We can do it. said the worker. Yippie! said the people. Pumbaa went after Ray-Ray once again. What a steep hill, what a steep hill! growled the wagons, as Ray-Ray pulled them up. At last, they got to the junction. Eeek! Ray-Ray said. Get in, everyone! The whistle blew, and Ray-Ray's worker looked back. The flag wouldn't wave. Then, Pumbaa came. Everything happened so quickly. The master told everyone what happened. I'm so sorry I caused the chase. said Ray-Ray. ''It was my fault. But I wanted to remind you about Ariel's people. Eek!'' said Ray-Ray. ''Bye, Pumbaa. We're leaving! Hooray for Pumbaa!'' said the people. Pumbaa went to see Ariel. ''Thanks, Pumbaa. You kept your promise.'' said Ariel. You are the best friend I've ever had.

by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch