Wild Moose Chase Read Online Free PDF

up the whole of one end. The basket was completely lined with purple velvet. Cam ran her hand over the plush material.
    â€œEven if we register, how are we going to get to Siberia?” she said. “We can’t afford one of these.”
    They peered in. A gilded framework held up the burners, which sat between the enormous basket and the canopy. Two golden lions stood to attention either side of the throne. Beside one of them was an ivory side table with a small bowl of peppermints and a couple of magazines on top – Horse and Hound and Extreme Bungee Jumping . At the other end was a large wooden chest, a solar-powered kettle and a silver tea service.
    â€œIt’s massive,” said Bert. “Big enough to have a party in… Big enough to … hide in.”
    They turned at the sound of approaching voices. Mr Zola, the Royal Cheesemaker, came striding towards them, followed by two attendants. He was studying a large round radar device attached to his wrist.
    â€œMy Cheesemaker-Locator has indicated that some of the contestants have already left for Russia,” he said to the attendants. “I have to follow and report back to the Queen. The wind is perfect and I must leave immediately.”
    Bert stepped forward.
    â€œExcuse me,” he said, “but my sister and I would like to register for the competition.”
    â€œI’m afraid you’re too late, young man,” said Mr Zola, climbing into the basket. “Registration is now closed. Release the ropes!”
    The two men started to untie the Crown Balloon from its mooring.
    â€œStop!” cried Bert in alarm. “It can’t be closed. We have to enter. You don’t understand!”
    Mr Zola twiddled his moustache irritably. “If I say it’s closed, then it’s closed,” he said, as the great balloon began to rise from the ground. “The Queen herself has put me in charge of this competition. She placed this cheese hat on my head with her very own bejewelled fingers and said—”
    â€œWhat hat?” asked Bert.
    Mr Zola’s hands flew up to his bare head. “My cheese hat!” he yelled. “Pull me back in. I must have left it in the royal enclosure.”
    Cam and Bert watched as the men caught hold of the ropes and heaved the huge balloon back into place. Mr Zola jumped out.
    â€œHelp me find it,” he called to the attendants. “I can’t be late.”
    The twins looked at each other as the three men disappeared round the corner.
    â€œWhat shall we do?” whispered Cam.
    â€œQuick, into the basket,” answered Bert. “This is our only chance. We’ll have to stow away and try and persuade Mr Zola to register us for the competition on the way.”
    They clambered in and looked around. Cam lifted up the lid of the big wooden chest. Inside was a fur rug, some warm coats and a union jack parachute. She pulled out the rug and threw it to Bert.
    â€œPut that over you and hide under the throne,” she said, stepping into the chest. “I can just about fit in here.”
    She closed the lid as Bert squeezed beneath the large seat. They both crouched in their hiding places, their hearts beating wildly. Bert began to fidget.
    â€œCam?” he called.
    â€œYes?”
    â€œI’m having second thoughts.”
    â€œWhat!”
    â€œI’m not sure this is such a good idea,” he said. “Is it sunny in Siberia?”
    But before she could answer, Mr Zola had returned with his cheese hat and climbed back into the basket. The two attendants released the red satin ropes and the Crown Balloon floated high up into the sky.

Gordon Zola
    Bert lay flat under the throne, the fur rug covering his body. His palms were sweating and he felt sick. Had they just made a terrible mistake?Mr Zola was sitting above him on the large cushioned seat.
    Cam lifted the chest lid a centimetre and peeped out. She was beginning to regret what