10. Party Time

“Minnie has been saved,” sighed Claribel. “I think we should celebrate.”

“Good idea,” agreed Patagonia. “We shall have a pirate party. We’ll sing sea-shanties and play ‘Walk the Plank’ and do all that yo-ho-ho stuff.

Shiver me timbers and wangle me riblets.”

Corkella sighed. “She’s gone potty again.”

Little Flo nodded. “She’s just a potty pirate.”

Mad Maggott played the mouth-organ, Miss Snitty played the accordion, and everyone danced.

Patagonia Clatterbottom sat in a corner. She watched the fun for a while. Then she pulled out her knitting and got to work on Little Minnie’s babygro.

Ziggy crept up behind her. “Are you knitting a babygro, Mrs Clatterbottom? You’re not really fierce at all, are you? You’re just a big softy.”

Patagonia leaped to her feet. “What?! I’m the fiercest pirate in the universe. This isn’t a babygro. This is

going to be my new wig – see!”

Patagonia hastily pulled the knitting over her head.

“There! Just the job. What are you laughing at? Stop it at once! I’ll put you all in Big Betty. Miss Snitty! How dare you laugh at me. I’m the fiercest pirate ever. I’ll make you all walk the gangplank. Ziggy – PUT YOUR EYE BACK IN AND STOP LAUGHING!”