Chapter 36: Roundabout route to Shaggy’s cabin

“Those two?” She responded derisively. “Not a chance. I’ve heard they can get lost in a park.”

“Won’t they be more likely to stay to areas that look busy? Or at least well used?”

“Makes sense.”

“Then we have a choice. The direct route and hope we miss them? Or the roundabout route, hoping they will do their best to avoid getting any more lost than they are now.”

“Roundabout route.” Was her answer. It was as firm as she was full of hope it would work. If they think they are lost, maybe answer is to go a route that they would have to get really lost to reach.”

“Shaggy.” Ashley had the group stop a moment so she could take her bearings.

There appeared to be several options. The locals talked together a bit. One pointed down a trail during the conversation. Finally they came to a decision.

“This way.” Ashley indicated.

They continued on down the selected trail.

Each kept alert for somebody else on the road.

Midway back they saw a group.

“Hey George. What’s with the crowd?”

“Little Billy is lost again.”

Daphne received a sudden introduction to the culture of the place. Without regard for their own problems Ashley asked if they could help.

“Sure. Scooby works better with Shaggy anyway. Check the north areas by the old cave system.”

“Scooby?”

“Here Shaggy.”

“Come on. Daphne, come with us, or go with the girls to the cabin?”

Daphne was many things. But selfish enough to ignore this she was not. “I’ll go with.”

They set off.

It took about sixteen paces for it to sink in. “Did that dog just speak English?”

“Sure.” Shaggy answered. “He’s special like that. Scooby? We need a shortcut to the North Woods.”

“You got it.” The big dog looked around and let them off.

The group followed quickly behind.

Every so often Daphne looked at the dog again. Finally, she put the issue aside. There was little Billy to find. Then there were her own problems to deal with. She could deal with the shock of an actual talking dog another time.

They made good time.

“Scooby, you know where we need to search here?”

“Yes. Beyond the babbling brook.”

They looked around with all four calling the boy’s name.

Twenty minutes later Scooby perked up.

“You found something pal?”

“Yes. A small child.”

Daphne smiled. “Great.”

How great is it? do they…

Find Billy, see chapter 25

Find Billy, but Billy found help, see chapter 26

Find Billy, but Billy found trouble, see chapter 27