62. Mud Trouble

Ariel the little mermaid was having a bath, when Scuttle came. There was mud all over his white feathers. Hi, Scuttle! said Ariel. ''You look very dirty! Be smart, and have a bath!'' Scuttle grunted. I ain't got time to talk about dirty appearances like stupid mermaids! Wind was blowing hard. Scuttle, stop! cried his worker. Scuttle was very angry. ''I'll look nasty, and be late! Nasty and late!'' he thought. At the next junction, there was a sign. ALL SEA CREATURES MUST HAVE A BATH. Flounder had finished his bath. C'mon, Scuttle. said his worker. You will feel better too after you had a bath. Pah! shouted Scuttle, and dumped dust. You fool! said the worker. ''This means Flounder must have another bath! Wait your turn until later! Grr!'' growled Scuttle. I ain't got time to play with water! Scuttle ended his adventure, and got to the next junction, where King Triton was waiting. And so were Scuttle's wagons, and people. Oh, no! said the mighty king in disbelief! ''You can't take these wagons! Marina can pull them. Scuttle, you must get clean!'' Scuttle was soon having his bath. Watch my eyes! he bellowed. He took carts that afternoon. ''Nasty carts! Nasty carts!'' he grumbled. For you, and you, and you! Carts are carts. Flounder said cheerfully. But not today!" replied Scuttle. I'll show 'em who's boss! Flounder was preparing to take the wagons, when Scuttle came back. Be careful! he warned. The hills are steep! You'll need some help!" I never need help. replied Flounder snootily. Scuttle's just Mr. Know-it-All. Flounder struggled up Scuttle's Hill. It was very steep. Then, disaster struck. Flounder moved forward, but the wagons were pushing him back. Oh, no! he cried, as he fell down the hill. Well, well, well. said Scuttle. ''We all start small. Don't worry, Flounder! I shall help you out! Seagull and fish were working hard. We'll do it, we'll do it! Flounder said. We will, we will! added Scuttle. Soon, Flounder and Scuttle reached the top. Eek! cried Flounder. See ya'! Squawk! answered Scuttle. Goodbye! That night, King Triton arrived at the beds. Please, your Majesty, said Ariel, can Scuttle take the wagons again. Well, Scuttle, if you now know that baths are very important, the wagons are yours again. Scuttle was very happy. Muddy or clean, I'm classy and sassy! But he told himself that. by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch