CHAPTER TWO
Camping Plans

“Of course Bagels is coming,” says Mom. “He’s a great guard dog.” She means he barks anytime someone comes to the door. He barks extra loud for the mail carrier.

He also eats the mail. And the mail carrier’s learned not to put her hand through the mail slot anymore.

Becky and I have worked really hard to get Bagels to behave. He hasn’t jumped in the neighbor’s fish pond for a long time. It helps that our neighbor put chicken wire over the pond after Bagels frightened his fish to death.

Bagels still rounds up joggers. That’s because he thinks they’re sheep. We’re working on that and on the mail-eating problem.

It’s not his fault he’s a slow learner.

Dad frowns at Bagels. Bagels grins back at him.

“Bagels can’t get into much trouble camping,” I say.

We all know that’s not true.

“Fine,” says Dad. “But this is his last chance. If he doesn’t behave on this trip, he can go live on a farm. Lots of space. Lots of sheep.”

Becky and I look at each other. We’re not going to let that happen.

“Where’s the cabin?” I ask.

“Sasquatch Lake,” says Dad.

“Who’ll take care of Creamcheese and Lox?” I ask. Lox is our goldfish.

Mom says Aunt Sharon’s taking care of the house while we’re away.

We’re not leaving until next week. Becky drags out her little pink suitcase anyway and starts packing.

Oh well, I might as well start packing too. I drag out my brown case and my Dad’s big old army duffel bag.

The first things I pack are my alligator flashlight and my camera.

I also find a couple of other things that might come in handy.

More on that later.