Page 117 - English Reader - 4

about the tournament and would really like to be a part of it.

The mayor who had finally collected his breath said, “Well, if you

behave and promise that you’re just here for the tournament,

then I don’t see any problem with you participating.”

“I give you my word,” said the alligator. “After the tournament is

over, I’ll leave as I came, in peace.”

“Are there any objections?” asked the mayor to the other

bowlers.

None of the bowlers said a word. Why would they? Who would

take a chance of upsetting an alligator?

“Very well then,” said the mayor. Let the tournament begin. After

the alligator thanked the mayor for allowing him to participate,

he headed for the shoe racks. Everyone in the bowling alley was

watching his every move.

“What is your name?” asked a little girl hidden behind her

mother. “Al, my name is Al,” replied the alligator.

Al set his bowling bowl bag atop the shoe counter. After paying

his entry fee and realizing there weren’t any shoe of his size, Al

walked back towards the lanes to prepare to play. The rest of

the bowlers were still watching him.

Dolphin English Reader book 4 117