We Were Only Strawberry Picking Read Online Free PDF

Enoch had finally realised something was wrong, as it dawned on him that it usually took him fifteen minutes at the most to walk back to base but he felt like he had been walking for all eternity. He was sure that at least thirty minutes had passed and he had not caught sight of base. In fact, as he looked more closely at the intricacies of the tunnel, he realised that this tunnel was completely different to the usual tunnel that had taken him back to base. For starters, the lights were much higher up the walls than the usual tunnel and it was a lot more dusty.
    â€˜Oh, no I must have taken the wrong turning; I told Nora that we should have marked the tunnels more clearly to define them, as she knows how easily I get confused. She is going to kill me or even worse she is going to insist that I eat Poppy to show that I am truly a mole, instead of the forgetful useless mole I know she thinks I am …’
    Poor Enoch wanted to shout “help” from the rooftops but that would only make things worse. Also he did not want to be the one that was to blame for alerting the visitors to the fact that they were no longer the only inhabitants in the mine.
    Enoch continued to babble and revisit what he was going to do as he continued along the tunnel. Unbeknown to him the intruders were heading straight towards him.
    â€˜Shush,’ Henratty commaned.
    â€˜What’s wrong?
    â€˜I thought I heard something, or more like someone talking.’
    â€˜You must be hallucinating, surely there can’t be anyone else down here,’ remarked Jack.
    â€˜OH, NO – WHAT AM I GOING TO DO – I’M IN BIG TROUBLE!’ uttered the voice – it was Enoch!
    â€˜Did you all hear that?’ Everyone’s eyes were wide open as they shook their heads in approval.
    â€˜Now be quiet,’ Henratty whispered and then she switched the torch off. All of the meerkats were now pressed against the side of the wall, as Enoch scurried around the corner towards them, still jabbering to himself.
    â€˜Oh, no, I’m in so much trouble. Nora is going to string me up when she finds out that I have not gone back to base to warn the others.’
    If only he had turned to his right, he would have seen four pairs of eyes staring back at him from the darkest corner of the tunnel, but what he would not have realised was how petrified they were of him. Enoch continued along the path, he was so disorientated by now and decided to stop where he was and take stock and try to retrace his steps. He turned around and started to make his way back down the tunnel as the four meerkats shot back into the darkest crevice again, holding their breaths once more.
    â€˜ What was that?’ Enoch murmured. He could have sworn that he heard a shuffling sound, but was not sure but then thought perhaps it was an echo of his own movements as he scuttled along the tunnel trying to retrace his steps. He turned right into the tunnel which he was sure would lead him back to Nora. He knew it was at least half an hour back to her and he could then find base from there having got his bearings back.
    â€˜What on earth was that?’ asked Oscar.
    â€˜Whatever it was, it was bigger than us, but he sure did sound lost, and who was he talking about. He mentioned the name, Nora, so now we know there are at least two other animals down here besides us, which means we are not alone after all,’ noted Henratty.
    â€˜I’m scared,’ murmured Lyndi Lou.
    â€˜We’re all scared … I think that creature is our safest bet of getting out of here – we have to follow him,’ suggested Henratty.
    â€˜But he could be dangerous,’ argued Oscar.
    â€˜Unfortunately, we don’t have a choice, he is our only hope and we must follow him. I think he is a safe distance away now, so let’s get a move on.’ Henratty gave the torch to Jack which he switched back on, but he had to give it a good shake as the battery