25. In a Mine

One day, Ariel was at a junction, when Scuttle came in, pulling carts. Yuck! said Ariel. ''What's that nasty smell? Can you smell anything? I can't smell anything.'' said one part of Ariel's stuff. A nasty, dirty, kind of smell! said Ariel. I didn't know that there was a smell. Scuttle said. It's probably sea water. He remembered when he fell into some mud.

Ariel liked to tease him about it. ''Stuff? Do you know what it is? It's mud!'' Before Scuttle could reply, Ariel was gone. Her stuff did not like that. ''She's really nasty. I feel embarrassed. I feel embarrassed. And they told Ariel, You shouldn't

be nasty. You embarrassed us.'' Ariel wasn't listening. What a joke, what a joke! she said. She was feeling happy. Her

stuff were surprised. They liked Scuttle the seagull. Ariel left her stuff, and went near a mine for some carts. Long ago, miners were digging, and they made holes in the ground. They are strong enough to hold carts, but not a mermaid like

Ariel. A sign tells them not to come near, ''Danger! Sea creatures must not go past! Stupid sign!'' thought Ariel. She sometimes tried to get past, but always failed. But today, she had a plan. The driver turned the points. ''My plan is

ready!'' thought Ariel. She bumped the carts, and jerked her worker out of her cab. Get back here! said the worker.

Holy fish paste! Ariel said. I'm stuck! And she was. Oh, my! she thought. I am a stupid mermaid! And a very silly one, as well! I saw what you did! said King Triton. ''Please, help me! I'll never do it again! I don't think so. We can't

get a hanger. It's not firm enough. Hmm. I think Scuttle could help you. Yes, your Majesty.'' said Ariel. But she didn't

want to see Scuttle yet. ''She fell down a mine? Ha, ha! What a riot!'' said Scuttle. Squawk! ''Little Ariel, we'll soon

get you out.'' Ropes were tied between Scuttle and Ariel. Ready, steady, pull! It was very hard at first. At last, Ariel

was out of the mine. I'm sorry I was silly. she said. ''That's OK, Ariel. You're so funny. I am in disgrace. Me too.'' said Ariel. So, you are. Scuttle said. ''We should form an alliance. You help me, and I help you. That's right.'' said Ariel. Good. said Scuttle. And they went back home.

by Julian Cumberbatch