A Chris Mouse Tail

A Chris Mouse Tail
Copyright © 2004 Christopher E. King
All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Written by James William King (b. 1948- )


Chapter One:
The Chris Mouse Key is Lost!

"Just lie still and maybe it will come to you," Chris Mouse told himself in a hushed voice. He was trying not to disturb his wife, Crystal, who was sleeping quietly in her own little matchbox.

"Where could I have left it?" he asked himself in a louder tone of voice. Clearly, he was upset with himself over misplacing it, whatever it was. Now he was beginning to disturb the children. Melanie, Melissa and Baby Melody Mouse all squirmed under their cotton-ball coverlets.

Now Chris Mouse was on his feet pacing about the room. "How could I have been so careless? Well, Crystal says I'm so very forgetful." Although he could not remember ever being forgetful. He left the bedroom and went into the crowded kitchen of the humble Mouse House.

He had misplaced his key to the Mini-Mouseville Mall and it was the Holiday Season. All of the Shopkeepers depended on this season to make most of their profits. Their Customers just had to buy presents and gifts to show how much they loved their little mousekins. Chris Mouse just couldn't let them down. He had to find the Chris Mouse key!

"We will just have to form a search party!" Chris Mouse said in his most authoritarian voice. Chris had been a colonel in the Mouse Army during the Rodent Wars and could sound very serious, but mostly he was a very gentle and loving mouse. "Where did I put that penlight?" Chris asked himself as he pushed aside copies of old magazines in the junk drawer. All of his favorites were there; Better Holes and Gardens, Good Mousekeeping and Mouse Beautiful.

Chris Mouse was easily sidetracked so he picked up the copy of Better Holes and Garden and sat down at the kitchen table and began to daydream.

Chris Mouse and Crystal Mouse weren't poor and they weren't rich, few mice are. Only rats are rich. But mice are very rich in spirit, that's why they always scurry and scamper about. Most people think it's because they are afraid, but it's because the mice have found that busy paws are happy paws. They scurry because they are happy and they are happy because they scurry. Life can be like that sometimes. A vicious cycle, dog eat cat. At least that was what mice hoped and dreamed and believed.

The Chris Mouse House was a Castle with blue turrets and white marble on a huge forest estate called FairyTail Kingdom. These woods were 'The Big Woods' to the residents of Mouseville; Chris Mouse and his neighbors. Oh, it should be mentioned that a family of human people lived in Chris Mouses' house, the Joneses. Chris Mouse and Crystal Mouse tolerated the Joneses by allowing them to live in Chris Mouses' house. Two or three times a week Chris would collect the rent from the Joneses; a cracker or two here, a small piece of cheddar there. Chris Mouse wasn't a greedy landlord. As long as he could feed Crystal, Melanie, Melissa and Melody he was one happy little mouse.

As with any home, the Mouse House had several entrances and exits. One into the Joneses' kitchen, convenient for late night snacks. One in the children's room where Jeremy Jones, Jennifer Jones and Baby Jessica Jones lived with their toys, toys that came to life at night just like the mice did. There was Rag Annie and Rag Danny, who were the most pleasant of dolls.

Theodore E. Bear also lives there. (Ted E. Bear is his nickname but he doesn't like being called that. He is a bit of an old grump sometimes, especially when honey is in short supply.)

It was a very happy house indeed with no harsh words or deeds allowed. The townsmice of Mouseville lived quietly right along side of the humans who seldom even knew they were there.

The world outside was a different matter. Parts of the outside world were good and happy and parts of the outside world were nasty and filled with sadness. The countryside was beautiful with rolling farm meadows, green fields and blue ponds. Trees in The Big Woods swayed gently in the breeze.

Most of the animousals were friendly. Charles and Felicity Chipmunk, The Nuttsmore squirrel family with the exception of crusty old Squirrel E. Nuttsmore, Esquire himself and the Hawthornes wren family and the McWhiffles, a slightly overbearing English Sparrow family were all nice nearby neighbors to the Mouseville residents.

And when you talk about kind and gentle animousals you can't forget Bullfinch the Friendly Bull who lived in Bullfinch's Meadow near the blue pond. Bullfinch was very friendly and very wise, wisdom he gained from watching most of the world go by as he gently ate his grass in the meadow by the blue pond. Domino and Divinity Dalmatian and their litter of puppies were also kind and gentle.

Just as in any other place Mouseville had to contend with bad as well as good. In the minds of most mice the definition of bad and evil is C-A-T. The Catpack was no exception and was always causing trouble for the residents of Mouseville. Catalina was the evil queen of the Catpack and her not-too-bright king and constant companion was Catalack. Their daughter Catrina was learning to be just as nasty as her parents. Parents lead by example, sometimes by the wrong example.

The other picture of nastiness in Mouseville was the Ratpack, headed up by Ritzo Rat and his twin in rodent devilishness, Ratzo Rat. Ritzo Rat and Ratzo Rat were the only residents of the Mouseville area that were dumber than Catalina Cat and Catalack Cat, and that is dumb!

The insides of house walls are like huge mountains with caves. At least they seem that way to mice. Mouseville was filled with almost everything human villages and towns had. They had malls, banks, movie theaters, diners and manufacturing plants to make things.

Squirrel E. Nuttsmore ran the Banana Oil and Nutts Factory. Mr. Skunk N. Ratchit ran the Weasel Motor Works. There was always a lot of activity at the New Hammshire Piggy Bank where Mr. Harry B. Hamm, III was president. Mr. Hamm was following in his father's hoggstepps.

Besides the Mouseville Mini-Mall, the main gathering place for the townsmice was the Old Feedbag Diner. It was really a horse's old leather feedbag that had fallen to the ground and had been converted to a 1930's- style diner. The mice thought it was very modern and very chic. Next to the diner was a Miniature Par 3 Croquet course and driving range.

The Big Woods, the Old River Bank, the Field with No Name and the Hollowed Out Tree where the Nuttsmore family lived rounded out the Mouseville community. Oh and we can't forget Cat Hall and the Ratpack's Den, even if we would like to pretend they don't exist. For the most part life in Mouseville was a little slice of cheddar cheese, a bit of heaven if you will.

Enough daydreaming; Chris decided he would call Uncle Ralph Poorlee and Aunty Emily Poorlee first thing tonight when they got up and tell them about the lost key. In Mouseville almost everything comes alive at night, the mice, Rag Annie and Rag Danny, Ted E. Bear (Oops, I forgot!). Sometimes even Jeremy Jones, Jennifer Jones and Baby Jessica Jones came to life at night.

Well, this was no time to think about this type of thing. Chris Mouse put down his copy of Better Holes and Garden. The sun was bright overhead and Chris thought he better get some sleep. He went back to his matchbox and covered up. Six hours later he awoke with a startle, Baby Melody was jumping up and down on his stomach. It was dark and time to get up anyhow.



Chapter Two:
The Grand Expedition is Organized!

That evening Chris Mouse gathered all of the townsmice together to discuss the problem.

"This is serious," Chris began, "I don't know how I did it but I've lost the Mouseville Mini-Mall key. I know all of you were just beginning to do your holiday shopping. A lot of big mice and their little mousekins will be disappointed if we don't find the key, especially the shopkeepers. We must find the key!"

Everyone immediately grasped how serious the problem was and rallied behind Chris Mouse. Several chanted, "The Chris Mouse key is lost!" Others chimed, "We must find the key of Chris Mouse!"

"But where should we look first, Chris?" asked Uncle Ralph Poorlee, leader of the church mice. He was so interested he almost fell off of his seat.

"Well, I have copies of the Mouseville map here. If we all take an area and search carefully we will find the key. Remember Chris Mouse is depending on you," Chris said as he was passing out the maps.

"Uncle, you and Aunty search the church since that's your home and you know it best. Crystal, you take the children out to Bullfinch's meadow and find out if Bullfinch knows where the key is. If anyone knows Bullfinch will know, he's so old and wise. Several others can go to the Hollowed-Out Tree and ask Squirrel Nuttsmore if he has seen the key. Make sure he's in a good mood first."He continued, "Somebody check out Domino Dalmatian and Divinity Dalmatians dogbox. Those Dalmatian's puppies are always carrying things off and burying them."

"In the meanwhile," Chris Mouse continued, "I'll do the dangerous part and check out Cathall and the Packrat's Den. With Catalina and Catalack around no mouse is ever safe. Cats and Rats, Mouseville is going to the Dogs!"

Uncle Ralph agreed, "Yeh! Chris Mouse is right! Mouseville is going to the dogs!" Uncle Ralph Poorlee agreed with Chris Mouse even when he wasn't sure what he said!

Ritzo Rat and Ratzo Rat and the Ratpack were always fighting with Catalina and Catalack and the Catpack. They were mortal enemies, but would join together to gang up on the Mouseville mice. Cats and rats hated mice even more than they hated each other. The mice gave no cause for such hate, they never did anything to the cats or the rats. Sometimes the world is just that way. Evilness hates goodness just because it's the evil thing to do!

"Well, let's not waste anymore time! The first one to find the key should return it to me at the Old Feedbag Diner. Then we can get on with the important business for the holidays, buying gifts and presents and foods for fancy feasts," Chris shouted as he moved towards the hole that lead to the outside world that surrounded Mouseville.

"Go get what you need for the search and meet me outside by the footbridge that goes from the Old River Bank to the path that leads to The Field with No Name and The Big Woods and The Hollowed-Out Tree. Hurry now!" Chris said as he left the Great Townhall.

There was an air of excitement about this outing; everyone scurried and scampered behind him like they were on a grand expedition - A Grand Expedition to find the key of Chris Mouse.

The bells of the Country Church rang out just as they reached the outside world, an omen that they would indeed find the key of Chris Mouse.

It was like seeing a rainbow after the storm and knowing that in the clearing everything was beautiful and luminous and refreshed.

It was grand to be alive and the mice were now ready to begin their grand procession on a grand expedition for a grand cause. Everything was just grand!



Chapter Three:
The Grand Expedition Begins

Everyone knows that mice can't carry much with them at one time. Mostly they live paw-to-mouth, but they seem to be a very happy lot. They are always busy arranging, rearranging, moving, cleaning and scurrying. Scurrying is definitely what they do best, they get so much practice at it. Remember the mouse motto: "Busy Paws Are Happy Paws!"

Some people think mice scurry and scamper because they are afraid. Afraid, indeed! Mice can scare the hayseeds right out of an elephant without even saying Boo!

Well, the townsmice had regathered by the Bridge and were ready to set off on their Grand Expedition for their Grand Cause.

The townsmice had assembled everything they would need on their Grand Expedition and in their search for the key of Chris Mouse; a few kernels of corn, several wheat seeds and a couple of drops of water.

They also had penlights for searching in the dark. If the batteries ran down they would have to ask the Fireflies to light their path. The Fireflies gave off such a warm, luminous glow that mice preferred them to penlights.

Chris Mouse had put on his old Mouse Army uniform and had become Colonel Chris Mouse, Veteran of Foreign Gorgonzolas. He made quite a spectacle; several buttons were missing from the front of his uniform and his pudgy little belly poked out, but nobody seemed to notice. He was their leader.

The mice all lined up with their supplies and weapons to fend off rat and cat - like the catapults. The Catpack and the Ratpack were the nastiest bunch to ever climb out of a sewer or a rathole and Colonel Chris Mouse wasn't going to take any chances.

All in a line, The Grand Army of the Expedition made quite a spectacle! What a glorious sight!

With a "Forward March!" from Colonel Chris Mouse the mice began their journey, their search for the key of Chris Mouse! "FOLLOW CHRIS MOUSE AND FIND THE KEY!" was the battle cry of the marching mice.

"What are we, mice or men?" some of them shouted. Well, that question had been asked before in Mouseville. They knew they had four paws and fur but they weren't certain what mice or men where. They thought 'mice' sounded better than 'men' though and since 'mice' rhymed with 'nice', they thought it would be nice to be mice. They held a secret vote and it was unamimouse, they would call themselves mice.

They crossed the Bridge and as the mice went farther and farther down the path to The Big Woods and The Field With No-Name, teams of mice went off to their assigned places.

Uncle Ralph Poorlee and Aunty Emily Poorlee and all the little Poorlee mousekins went off to the Country Church. They would talk to Parson Parsley, he would know where the key of Chris Mouse was.

Several other mice took a short-cut to get to The Big Woods and The Hollowed-Out Tree where the Nuttsmore's lived. A few veered off towards Domino Dalmatian and Divinity Dalmatian's dogbox. You could already hear the Dalmatian's puppies yelping in the distance. They were probably busy burying something. Crystal Mouse took Melanie Mouse, Melissa Mouse and Baby Melody Mouse towards Bullfinch's Meadow. Good, gentle and wise old Bullfinch -he would know where the key was!

Some of the mice had stayed behind to go up to the children's room to discuss the situation with Rag Annie and Rag Danny and Ted E. Bear (Oops! There I go again, I mean Mr. Theodore E. Bear, of course! The old stuff shirt would go into a perfect snizzle, if he knew I called him Ted E. Bear!)

The mice would see if Jeremy Jones, Jennifer Jones and Baby Jessica Jones were up to, sometimes the children would be helpful by telling each other things they wouldn't tell 'THE BIG HUMAN PEOPLE'!

The very secretest things were told only to the dolls and the bears. Even then only the absolute best secrets were told to Rag Annie. Everybody trusted Rag Annie and nobody was quite sure why. But we all know it was because she had stuffed cotton for brains and had a very short memory, which is good if you are a rag doll which everybody trusts --- and everybody did!




Chapter Four:
The Church Mice and The Parson

Uncle Poorlee and Aunty Poorlee and all the little Poorlee mousekins had arrived back at the Country Church.

"Where do you think we should look first, Emily?" Uncle Ralph Poorlee said to his wife. Uncle Poorlee was a nice fellow but he was never quite sure what to do next. Neither was Aunty Emily Poorlee but at least she sounded more sure of herself.

"Why, talk to Parson Parsley, of course. Nobody knows more about this old church than the Parson," Aunty Emily Poorlee said in her most confident voice.

"I think we should talk to Mrs. Priscilla Parsley first, or maybe their daughter, Penelope Parsley or then again maybe you are right. What was that you said we should do again?" Uncle Ralph Poorlee said with a sheepish grin, which looks very unusual on a mouse.

"Now, Ralph dear, don't think quite so much, you know it gives you a headache. Just come with me dear," Aunt Emily Poorlee motioned over her shoulder. She was moving towards the hole in the wall between the Country Church and the Parsonage. That's where Parson Parsley lived with his wife Priscilla Parsley and their daughter Penelope Parsley.

Uncle Ralph Poorlee wore the pants in the family but Aunty Emily was the one who showed Uncle Ralph where his pants were kept so he could put them on. He didn't seem to mind. his wife talking.

As they got near the Parson's study the Poorlee's could hear the Parson and his wife talking.

"You think so?" asked the Parson.

"Think! I know so!" said his wife.

"Well! Then that's that!" replied Parson Parsley.

"It would seem so!" was Priscilla's response.

The mice always had difficulty figuring out what the Parson was saying. That comes as no surprise since mouse talk is quite different from people talk. Then when you know very few big people understood the Parson, well! Add to that the fact the Parson seldom understood what he was saying and, well, it's just a wonder the mice understood him at all!

Uncle Ralph Poorlee announced their presence with a 'Huh-humph!' which came out more like 'Squeak! Squeak!'

"Oh, dear! Those pesky rodents! Didn't you put out the rat traps, Priscilla?" asked the Parson.

"I just didn't have the heart to dear," said Priscilla Parsley with a tender-heart, "Besides I think they have little ones!"

"Even more reason to nip this thing in the bud!" snapped the Parson. He was always nipping things in the bud. Perhaps he worked in the greenhouse at the seminary?

"Oh, Parson dear, you are always saying we should take care of those less fortunate than we are," Priscilla said half joking, "And these poor little folk can't even afford mittens to go with their fur coats!"

"Harumph! Now Priscilla you know that I meant homo-sapiens," was his reply.

When the Parson cleared his throat and used Latin, Greek or Hebrew you knew you were being lectured.

"Less fortunate and defenseless, too, I think we should give protection, affection and direction to all creatures under our roof, just as we would our own child Penelope!" said Priscilla unflinchingly.

"Oh, very well! But it wouldn't surprise me if they get into the pantry closet or if one doesn't bite you and give you rabies!" the Parson said as he stormed out of the room.

"God bless all creatures big and small!" Priscilla said with all the love her tender little heart could muster. As she said her little prayer she lifted her eyes skyward as if she knew someone was listening. Forgive us for the pain we have caused you she thought to herself.

The Poorlees skampered off as the Parson came rushing by. It was apparent they hadn't found any key. After searching on their own without finding Chris Mouses' key they started the journey back to Mouseville and the Old Feedbag Diner to report the lack of success.



Chapter Five:
Crystal Talks to Bullfinch

Bullfinch had just polished off his dinner and was drinking from the pond in his meadow when Crystal and the children arrived. Bullfinch was a longtime resident of these parts and very wise. He was wise, old and, oh, yes, did I forget to mention gentle.

"Crystal, how nice to see you and the little ones!" Bullfinch bellowed in his most gentle moo, "It's a bit late for a stroll with the children, isn't it my dear?" Bullfinch was always the perfect picture of politeness.

"Yes, but we are here on serious business, dear Mr. Bullfinch! Chris Mouse misplaced his key to the Mouseville Mini-Mall and the holiday season will be just dreadful if we can't find the key!" said Crystal in a panic, "Have you seen the key?"

At this point Melanie, Melissa and Baby Melody Mouse were climbing all over Bullfinch. Baby Melody Mouse was sliding down his neck and pulling on his ears. Bullfinch appeared to be quite amused.

"My, my! No Holiday Season! What a shame for Chris Mouse and the others. Well, I'm sorry my dear, but I haven't seen the key," Bullfinch said while his smile quickly turned into a frown.

"Oh, my! We thought if anyone would know where the key was, you would!" Crystal said with a tear in her eye.

"Oh, please don't cry! You know how I hate it when you cry," said Bullfinch with such a sad face his chin was dragging on the ground. He thought for a few seconds and asked, "Crystal, are you certain the gifts and food and presents are the most important part of the holiday season?"

"What do you mean, Bullfinch?" asked Crystal in a puzzled tone.

"Well, I mean I think you are missing something!" replied Bullfinch.

"Of course we are missing something, Bullfinch, we are missing the Chris Mouse key," Crystal said impatiently.

Bullfinch continued, "No, I mean something missing inside of you. Something you can't see. Perhaps the key is inside you!"

Crystal had gathered the mousekins to leave. She was disappointed. Bullfinch usually knew everything. She hadn't found the key and now Bullfinch was starting to sound just like the Parson. What a Holiday Season this was turning out to be!

"Thank you for your help, Bullfinch," Crystal said in a rush. She wanted to get back to the Old Feedbag Diner before it was too dark to see the path.

"Come by anytime, my dear lady! And be sure to bring those delightful little ones along too!" Bullfinch said with a chuckle because his ear still tickled.




Chapter Six:
The Dolls Discuss World Affairs

Several of the mice who stayed behind had gone up to Jeremy Jones, Jennifer Jones and Baby Jessica Jones' room. The children were all asleep but Rag Annie, Rag Danny and Ted E. Bear (Oops!) were talking about the day's events. The mice just listened.

"Well I heard one of the mice talking earlier. He said that the Christmas key had been lost!" said Rag Danny, who was not always quite certain of his facts.

"Utter nonsense! Who ever heard of losing the keys to a holiday? They must have been talking about Chris Mouses' keys!" said the original old stuff-shirt himself, one Mr. Theodore E. Bear. He was in a perfect snizzle and in danger short-circuiting his brain box.

"Don't get so snizzly, Theodore! You sound almost like a grizzly!" Rag Annie said trying to calm the uppity Mr. Bear.

Rag Annie hurried to add, "Whether he said Christmas or Chris Mouse I don't see how we can help, do you? I haven't seen any key."

Theodore E. Bear countered with, "Neither a mouse nor a holiday should have a key! Such impudence!" Ted E. Bear (Oops!) always calmed down quickly, cotton padding just won't stay hot! The world of dolls and bears was such a happy place!

"Maybe they should just break into wherever they need the key for," blurted out Rag Danny without thinking. Rag Danny almost never thought and he never thought about what he was saying. He always said thinking was work and why should you work on something you just throw away like words anyhow? Poor silly Rag Danny! Stuffed cotton for brains Rag Danny!

Rag Annie was quick to correct her little brother, "Oh, no! That would never do! Besides I think you should be happy wherever life finds you. Happiness comes from inside each one of us! That's why I have a soft cotton heart. It's so I can soak up all the love and happiness in the world and give it back when I'm squeezed and hug. Why I'm just like a big sponge when it comes to love and happiness! When Jennifer or Jeremy or Baby Jessica play with me the love and happies ooze out all over like a big juicy orange!" If Rag Annie knew anything, she knew love and happy!

The mice had heard enough to know that the dolls and the bears weren't going to be able to help them. After looking around the room for the key and only finding three well- munched and soaky wet cookies the mice climbed down the electric cable behind the wall to the Old Feedbag Diner.




Chapter Seven:
The Animals Talk Business

Several of the older mice were assigned to visit Squirrel E. Nuttsmore in The Hollowed-Out Tree in The Big Woods. The Hollowed-Out Tree was also the home of the New Hammshire Piggy Bank directed by Mr. Harry B. Hamm, III. Squirrel E. Nuttsmore lived near the top in a hole near a large branch while Harry B. Hamm ran the Piggy Bank from the ground floor. (You didn't expect a pig to climb a tree, did you?)

The hole that ran up through the middle of The Hollowed-Out Tree was the bank vault for the New Hammshire Piggy Bank. Squirrel E. Nuttsmore would make his daily Corn Deposits (CD's) and his weekly nut deposits from the Banana Oil and Nutt Factory at the top, while sly old Harry B. Hamm would make his withdrawals from the bottom. Squirrel Nuttsmore thought it was taking an awful lot of nuts to fill that hole up. It never occurred to him that someone was making withdrawals under the table. Meanwhile old Harry B. Hamm just got fatter and fatter. From his point of view it was a very convenient arrangement indeed!

When the mouse team arrived Squirrel E. Nuttsmore was arguing with Harry B. Hamm over how much interest the bank was paying him on his CD's (Corn Deposit's).

"Well, if you don't pay me more I'll move my accounts to the Skunksville Squander and Loan," Nuttsmore threatened.

"You'll be back after you have done business with Skunk N. Ratchit for awhile," was Harry B. Hamm's abrupt response.

"Excuse me gentlemen. But may we ask you about Chris Mouses' lost key," inquired one of the townsmice.

"Why you certainly can not. Can't you see we are busy talking about important money matters. We haven't got time to be bothered by what happens to one mouse, especially Chris Mouse," said Squirrel E. Nuttsmore in a rude tone of voice.

"That's right, mice! Go away unless you want to deposit a large amount of money or unless you want to borrow a large sum of money! We don't have time to worry about insignificant things like Chris Mouse. I'm trying to get a little money out of this tightwad!" added Harry B. Hamm, III.

"What did you call me?" yelled Nuttsmore as he flashed his two front teeth and his claws and made a low growling noise.

"You heard me, cheapskate!" said Hamm.

Before Harry Hamm could fininsh his sentence Squirrel E. Nuttsmore was pouncing. Fur, dirt and nasties were flying. Do you see how money can come between friends.

The mice could see this wasn't getting them anywhere and they headed back to the Old Feedbag Diner to report on their search.




Chapter Eight:
Chris Mouses' Final Battle

After the fight with Harry B. Hamm, III, Squirrel E. Nuttsmore did indeed take his CD's (Corn Deposit's) to the Skunksville Squander and Loan.

SS+L was run by Mr. Skunk N. Ratchit who also ran the Weasel Motor Works. Skunk saw his himself as kind of a modern day Robin Hood. His motto was 'Rob from the Rich and Rob from the Poor!'

In any event, as soon as Skunk N. Ratchit found out that Chris Mouse was Den of the Ratpack he ran straight to tell Catalina, Catalack, Ritzo Rat and Ratzo Rat. Skunk N. Ratchit must have been part weasel and part rat himself because he did such a good job of playing both parts.

When Catalina and Catalack and Ritzo Rat and Ratzo Rat heard Chris Mouse and his mice were coming they decided to join forces and ambush them. Normally Cats won't have anything to do with Rats, but they both disliked Chris Mouse more than they disliked each other.

The plan was so sinister that Catalina and Catalack danced for joy. They even danced with Ritzo and Ratzo Rat and Skunk N. Ratchit. What a purr-fectly disgusting sight!

The Catpack and the Ratpack and Ratchit's Weasels soon took their place among the weeds leading to Cathall. The Mouse Trap was set.

As Chris Mouse and his unsuspecting mice approached the Catpack, the Ratpack and the Weasel's attacked. The Chris Mouse mice contingent never stood a chance. Fur flew everywhere. The battle was furious, but, as is often the case between cat and mouse, the battle was short. The townsmice were soundly beaten. Chris Mouse was hurt the worst.

In fact, Chris Mouse was injured so badly it was uncertain whether he would pull through or not.

"Is Chris Mouse going to die," asked one of the younger townsmice. He was crying.

"We don't know. All we can do now is get him back to Mouseville and have a doctor look at him. But right now it doesn't look good for Chris Mouse," answered an older mouse who had survived many skirmishes with cats.

As soon as they were able to make a stretcher for Chris Mouse they began the long journey back to Mouseville and the Old Feedbag Diner.

They were all sad because of Chris Mouse’s injuries and that they hadn't found the key for Chris Mouse. It was unbearable to think that they might lose Chris Mouse forever!




Chapter Nine:
The End of Chris Mouse’s Tail

"Clear the way! Chris Mouse has been seriously hurt!" said one of the mice carrying the stretcher as they entered the Old Feedbag Diner.

Chris Mouse lay very still now. Almost lifeless with a very pale gray in his face. Crystal Mouse, Melanie Mouse, Melissa Mouse and Baby Melody Mouse all came over to him with tears glistening in their little eyes.

"Isn't there anything you can do for him, Doctor Cheeze?" Crystal said in a squeak.

"I'm afraid not my dear," Doctor Cheeze responded, "It's almost like Chris Mouse has lost the spirit to live!"

The doctor continued, "Chris Mouse has been hurt badly. He may not survive this Holiday Season! He may recover on his own. We just don't know!"

"Did anyone find the Chris Mouse key? Perhaps that will revive him," Crystal asked frantically.

No one moved a whisker! It was so quiet all you could hear was Chris Mouse’s' labored breathing.

"Uncle Poorlee, what did the Parson have to say?" Crystal continued.

"I don't rightly know," Uncle Ralph answered, "But Priscilla Parsley said to show compassion for the less fortunate!"

As Uncle Ralph Poorlee finished, Chris Mouse let out a little moan. It was almost as though that good thought had breathed some life into Chris Mouse.

"We didn't find it at Bullfinch's Meadow either. But Bullfinch said it was because we were looking in the wrong place. He said the key was within us and that gifts and food and presents weren't the most important thing about the Holiday Season!" Crystal added.

Chris Mouse was regaining consciousness. Every good thought seemed to strengthen Chris Mouse.

"Keep it up! Your good thoughts are strengthening Chris Mouse's spirit!" shouted Crystal, "Who else learned something important?"

"Well, we learned from Squirrel E. Nuttsmore and Harry B. Hamm, III that money wasn't important as friendship. Of course, I don't think they have learned that lesson yet!" said one of the older mice.

Now Chris Mouse lit up like a Christmas Tree bulb. Chris Mouse was making a strong comeback.

Rag Annie and Rag Danny and Ted E. Bear (Ooops!) taught us to be happy wherever we are with whatever we have," chimed another townsmouse.

With this Chris Mouse gave off a warm, cheery glow. His recovery was almost complete.

"Are you alright, Chris Mouse?" his wife Crystal asked.

"I'm feeling much better, thank you!" Chris said, "Let me tell you what I have learned from all of you good friends!"

"Yes, tell us what you have learned Chris Mouse," said good old Uncle Ralph.

"First of all, I forgive Catalina and Catalack and Ritzo Rat and Ratzo Rat and Skunk N. Ratchit for what they did to me," Chris said generously, "They must be purr-fectly miserable to act the way they do all the time!"

"What else did you learn, Chris Mouse?" said Uncle Ralph Poorlee, always the purr-fect straightman.

"I learned we must draw from the strength and beauty that is within each of us. To show compassion for those less fortunate than we are. Be content. Treat others well and love even your worst enemy. If we do all of these things we can't help but be happy!" said Chris Mouse, fully regaining his strength.

With that all of Mouseville shouted:

"This is the True Spirit of Chris Mouse!"
"This is the True Meaning of the Chris Mouse Season!"
"This is the key to Chris Mouse and Happiness!"

Once they all understood the meaning of Chris Mouse they had the best Holiday Season Mouseville ever experienced!


THIS
IS
THE
END
OF
A
CHRIS
MOUSE
TAIL