31. Old Metal

One day, Flounder was waiting for Ray-Ray and his load.

This made Flounder angry. Always late! Ray-Ray chuckled, and Flounder swam away. After Flounder's work

was done, he went onto the turntrack. He was still very angry. Ray-Ray is stupid! he said. He just clanks around all day like old metal, and he's so lazy, he makes us late!

Ariel and Melody were upset. ''Old metal? Lazy? Why, Ray-Ray could beat you if you two had a race! Huh!'' said Flounder. I should love to see that happen. Next day, Flounder's worker was feeling sick. He could not stand. The driver separated Flounder from his carts, preparing

for pushing. Flounder was not being patient. Suddenly, the lightman yelled. Flounder was swimming along. Everything haulted! he shouted.

Then, he told the driver everything. Two children were on Flounder's back, playing around. They ran away when Flounder began. The telephone rang, and the lightman answered. ''Yes. He's around. I'll talk to him. An inspector is arriving. He wants some rope and a pole. But why?'' asked the driver. I don't know. said the lightman. But you must get them fast. The driver was prepared, when Ray-Ray came. The inspector saw the two things. ''Well done! Climb aboard! Let's go get him!'' said Ray-Ray. Flounder chuckled. What a riot, what a

riot!'' he said. Then, he went very fast. He didn't have a worker. ''What am I going to do? I won't stop! Save me!

Don't worry, Flounder! said Ray-Ray. Ray-Ray was panting behind Flounder. At last,he wa next to him. C'mon, Ray-Ray! said the worker. The inspector stood on Ray-Ray, and held a rope. He was going to attach it to Flounder. Ray-Ray and Flounder swayed around. Then, I've got him! said the inspector. He pulled Flounder. Ray-Ray's worker put on the stoppers, and checked the speed. Flounder's driver ran across and got control.

So the old metal got you at last. said Ray-Ray. I'm so sorry. said Flounder. ''Thanks for rescuing me. You're a good stingray. That's OK.'' said Ray-Ray. Ray-Ray and Flounder got to the junction. King Triton was there. Nice work! he told them. ''Flounder, you can have a rest, and then take your load. I'm pleased with you, Ray-Ray. You can go to the fix-it yard and be fixed. Thanks, your Majesty.'' Ray-Ray said. It would be good not to clank.

by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch