Chapter 26

After all her work on the tree house, Brittany was ready for a nice steamy bath in her hot tub. She was going to wash her fur and get all clean and relaxed. She stepped into the water and immediately jumped out, screaming. It was boiling hot. Actually boiling. Scalding. What was going on?

And then she got it.

She looked up at the mountain looming over the island.

It was a volcano. And it was about to blow!

She called out to Alvin, Jeanette, and Eleanor to tell them what was happening. Simon and Theodore were still somewhere in the jungle on the hunt for Dave.

“A volcano?” said Jeanette.

“Are you sure?” asked Alvin.

“That’s why the water was so hot!” exclaimed Brittany. “It’s being heated by the underground magma chamber!”

Jeanette was surprised. She didn’t think Brittany would know something so scientific. “How do you know that?”

Brittany shrugged. “I have no idea! The place where I get my nails done always has the Science Channel on. Maybe I accidentally paid attention.”

Zoe ambled over to where all the chipmunks were chattering. “Hey, anyone small up for a little hike? Maybe to the waterfall?” She was making an effort to be casual.

“Not now, Zoe!” said Alvin. The whole island’s going to explode!”

Zoe looked horrified. “What? No, it can’t. Not now. Not after all this time…”

Zoe realized that she’d nearly spilled her secret. She recovered as quickly as she could. “Not after all this time that I’ve enjoyed living here.”

“Guys,” said Alvin, taking charge. “We need to get off this island. Fast. We have to build a raft—now.”

Zoe was frustrated. “Like, right now? Or like, right after a quick hike to the waterfall now?”

The island began to tremble. More smoke billowed out of the volcano. There was no time to lose!