Dodsworth in London (4 page)

"I can't take this," he said.

"What if he's hurt? What if he's scared?

"What if I never find him?"

He was a nervous wreck.

All this time, Dodsworth's duck was just fine.

He was slowly making his way to Buckingham Palace.

He saw a Shakespeare play in the park.

He had crumpets and tea for lunch.

He splashed in the fountain near Pershing Square.

He was asked to leave Pershing Square.

He finally made it to Buckingham Palace.

The guards at the palace were very serious.

The duck did a little dance to make them laugh. The guards opened the gates.

Meanwhile, still searching, Dodsworth was sick with worry.

"I can't believe this," he whispered.

"I've lost my friend..."

He dropped to the ground in grief.

"There, there," said the Royal Duck.

He thought for a moment.

"Perhaps the queen can help," he said.

"Driver, take us to the palace at once!"

They raced to Buckingham Palace.

The Royal Duck ran up to the gates.

"Hold on there," said the guard.

"But I am the Royal Duck," said the duck.

"Nice try," said the guard.

"The Royal Duck has been here for hours," said the guard. "But you do look exactly like him."

"Wait a minute," said Dodsworth.

"My duck!" he shouted.

He burst through the gates.

The Royal Duck followed him.

Dodsworth ran into the Grand Ballroom.

His duck was dancing on the piano.

The queen was clapping along.

"You're right," said the Royal Duck.

"He does look
exactly
like me."

Dodsworth ran and hugged the duck.

The duck didn't really like to be hugged.

"Is this your duck?" asked the queen.

"He's positively delightful!"

Everything was explained to everyone.

It took about twenty minutes.

"What a wonderful story," said the queen."You must stay here for the week. I insist!"

Dodsworth and the duck were speechless.

The Royal Duck showed them to their room.

It was the most magnificent room they had ever seen.

"Enjoy your stay," he said.

"We can't thank you enough," said Dodsworth.

The thick fog rolled in again.

"I'm just happy you're okay," said Dodsworth.

"Who said that?" said the duck.

Dodsworth laughed and hugged the duck again.

And this time, as the night fell on London, the duck actually hugged him back.