The Adventures of Beasleyville

As they walked down through the tunnels, each pair would disappear into the different yards they had been assigned to. Slowly they poked their heads up and looked around. “All clear. Let’s go.” They moved across the yard, keeping low and very quiet. “Over here,” Billy said. “Look!” They couldn’t believe their eyes. There in the middle of the yard was a small, motorized airplane – just lying there for the taking! “Let’s get it!” Without wasting a minute, they ran for it. Just then the whole back yard was bright. They couldn’t see a thing, but they heard a topsider yell, “John. What did I tell you about leaving your new airplane outside?! You go out there right now and get it. Do you hear me?” “I’m sorry Dad. I forgot. I’ll get it right now.” By now, Billy and his partner could see the smaller topsider running straight toward them. “Duck,” Billy said. “Lay flat behind that plant,” and Billy ran and hid behind some rocks. Suddenly, the topsider stopped. “Dad,” he yelled. “There’s something out here.” “What is it? A snake, or what?” asked the dad as he too walked toward us both with a shovel in his hand. “Run to the opening,” Billy yelled. “Go! Go! Go! As fast as you can. And stay low!” Billy started to run for it, but it was too late. They saw him. The topsider stopped. “Oh great. It’s one of those darn gophers. I thought I got rid of them. Get your plane and I’ll take care of this,“ the big topsider said. He raised the shovel above his head and was about ready to swing it down when Billy heard another topsider yell. “What are you two doing out there?” Just then the topsider turned, and when he did – he missed him. Billy ran so fast toward the opening he didn’t think anyone would catch him. “Darn it!” the topsider yelled. “I’ll be right in. There’s a gopher out here!” “Just let it be until morning,” the voice said. Billy was almost there. Only inches away. He was ready to leap when all of a sudden, he felt the shovel slam behind him. Too close. I’ll never make it, he thought. Keep running, he said to himself – keep running. Billy darted toward the fence and disappeared into the darkness. The topsider couldn’t see him hiding behind all the plants. “Missed him!” yelled the topsider. “I’ll get you in the morning!” he threatened as he turned and walked away. Billy was breathing so hard, and his heart was beating so loud, he thought the topsider would hear him for sure. Soon the lights went off and all was quiet. Billy stayed crouched down trying to catch his breath and relax. Boy that was close he thought – too close. Just then his partner popped his head up. “Psst, you okay?” “Yeah,” Billy said. “I’ll be there in a minute. I just have to finish getting some seeds from these plants here.” He didn’t want anyone to know how scared he was. If this got out, he might get kicked off the crew for not being careful. “Okay, let’s go,” Billy said, and they went down the opening. Billy put a red flag next to the opening which meant danger, and then placed a black one next to it which meant they would need to cover the opening and close the tunnel.