Chapter 6 The Long Journey.
They traveled over the sea for six weeks, although that may seem like a long time.
It was actually a short trip.
They did not want to waste time.
They followed the swallow all day as she flew in front of the boat.
At night she held a tiny lantern so they would not lose their way.
As they sailed south, the weather became warmer.
Polynesia, Chi-Chi, and the crocodile were very happy.
They ran about the boat laughing.
They looked over the side of the boat, hoping to be the first to see Africa.
Soon they would be home.
The pig, dog, and owl were not as happy with the weather.
It was much harder for them to be hot.
The only thing they could do was sit in the shade with their tongues hanging out and sip lemonade.
Dab-Dab the Duck kept herself cool by swimming in the ocean behind the boat.
Sometimes she dove underwater and swam beneath the boat.
She caught many fish, too.
Everyone was happy to have fish for dinner.
It was a nice change from canned beans and vegetables.
One day a group of dolphins swam beside their boat.
Polynesia sat on the rail so she could talk to them.
The dolphins asked if this was Dr. Doolittle's boat.
Polynesia answered yes.
We are so glad to hear that, the dolphins replied.
The monkeys will be happy.
They've been worried.
We should be there soon, Polynesia said.
The swallow says we will arrive in a few days.
Would you mind if we swam with you for a while? the dolphins asked.
It would be an honor to travel with Dr. Doolittle.
Polynesia said, Yes, of course.
She felt very proud.
After all, she was the one who had taught Dr. Doolittle to speak animal languages.
Now all the animals had heard of him.
Two days later, as the sun was setting, Dr. Doolittle grabbed the telescope.
Everyone, he called, come look.
Our journey is about to end.
I can see the shores of Africa.
All the animals ran to his side.
They each took a turn looking through the telescope.
Everyone cheered that they were so close.
How far before we reach land?
Jip the dog asked.
We should be there by morning, I imagine, Dr. Doolittle said.
Just then the sky turned dark and the wind picked up.
Everyone ran into the cabin to keep dry during the storm.
There was thunder and lightning.
It started to rain.
The waves were so high that water poured over the deck.
Everyone went to sleep.
They hoped the storm would be over by morning.
In the middle of the night, there came a loud bang.
The boat stopped and started to roll over on its side.
On Earth happened, the doctor called.
He opened the cabin door and climbed back on deck.
It was difficult to walk through the wind and rain.
I think we're shipwrecked, Polynesia said.
We must have run into Africa, Dr. Doolittle said.
Dear me, I hope we haven't ruined the boat.
I'll take a look, Dab-Dab said.
The duck dove over the side and swam underwater to examine the bottom of the boat.
There was a large hole from hitting the rocks.
Water was pouring inside and they were sinking fast.
Dab-Dab flew back on deck and gave them the news.
Some of the animals began to panic.
It was all right for the crocodile and gyp since they could swim.
Polynesia, the sparrow, the duck, and Tutu could fly, but Chi-Chi and Gub-Gub could not swim or fly.
Get the rope, Polynesia called.
I told you the rope would come in handy.
Dab-Dab, we need your help again.
Take the end of this rope, fly over to the land, and tie one end around the tree.
Dab-Dab did as she was told.
The wind was strong, but she did not lose her way.
She tied a tight knot around a tree.
Dr. Doolittle tied the other end around the rail of the boat.
Now, Polynesia said, anyone who can't swim or fly should climb along the rope.
That way we'll all get to shore.
And that was exactly how all the animals made it safely to land.
Dr. Doolittle put his trunk and some medical supplies into a basket.
He hooked the basket onto the rope and sent it to shore.
He followed right after.
The boat was not in good shape, though.
The hole in the bottom was too big.
The waves were too high.
The boat banged against the rocks.
It was starting to fall apart board by board.
Dr. Doolittle hated to leave it, but there was nothing he could do.
I'll have to find another way to repay the fishermen, he said.
They all took shelter in a cave until the rain stopped.
Even though they were all wet from the storm, the cave was dry and comfortable.
When they woke up in the morning, the sun was shining.
They went back down to the sandy beach to dry out.
Oh, good old Africa, Polynesia said.
You know, I haven't been here in over a hundred years, but it looks exactly the same.
Same beaches, same palm trees.
Oh, it's wonderful to be home.
Dr. Doolittle and the other animals noticed there were tears in her eyes.
She was that happy to see her home again.
Oh, no, Dr. Doolittle exclaimed.
The animals turned to look at him.
They all wondered what was wrong.
I've lost my hat, he said.
It must have blown away in the storm.
That's such a shame.
I rather like that hat.
Dab-Dab said she would go look for it.
She flew back over the ocean.
After a few minutes, she saw his high hat floating on the water.
She flew down to pick up the hat when she noticed one of the white mice riding inside.
What are you doing here?
Dab-Dab asked.
Doctor told you to stay back in Puddleby.
But I have relatives in Africa, the mouse said.
Also, I was curious to go on a sea voyage, so I hid in some luggage and came along.
I was very lucky that the hat and I were blown off the ship at the same time.
I grabbed a hold of the hat and have been riding in it ever since.
Dab-Dab picked up the hat with the mouse in it and carried both of them back to shore.
Everyone gathered around to have a look.
They all agreed that the mouse could not walk through the jungle on his own, so they tried to find a place in the trunk where he could travel comfortably.
Just then they heard the sound of something walking through the trees.
They all stopped to listen.
A man stepped out of the jungle and looked at them.
He asked them what they were doing there.
My name is Dr. Doolittle, the doctor said.
I have been asked to come to Africa to help the monkeys.
They are very sick, you know.
You must speak with the king first, the man said.
What king?
Dr. Doolittle asked.
I'm afraid we don't have time for that.
He wanted to get to the monkeys right away.
All this land belongs to the king, the man said.
All strangers must be brought before him.
Follow me.
Dr Doolittle realized there was no point in arguing, so they gathered up their baggage and followed the man through the jungle.
They stopped when they came to a clearing.
It was a wide open space with a building at one end.
This was the king's palace.
It was not a large palace.
In fact, it was quite small, but it was well made and strong.
It kept the rain out when it rained, and it was cool inside when it was hot outside.
In other words, it was perfect for the king, queen, and prince to live in.
The king and queen sat in front of the palace underneath a large umbrella.
The king was reading some important papers, and the queen was sound asleep in her chair.
The king looked up as Dr. Doolittle and the animals approached.
And who are you? the king asked.
He did not sound pleased to have visitors.
"'Well, you see,' Dr. Doolittle said, "'we've come about the monkeys.'
The doctor then told the story of the cold winter night and the sparrow.
He told the king about the kind fishermen who lent them the boat.
He also told him about the storm and how the boat crashed against the rocks and sank.
"'That is all very interesting,' the king said, although he did not sound at all interested.
But you cannot pass through my land.
I let another man like you use my land once.
I was very nice to him, in fact.
Then he left big holes in the ground after digging for gold.
He disappeared in the middle of the night without saying thank you.
I vowed never to let a visitor take advantage of me again.
We mean you no harm, Dr. Doolittle pleaded.
We only want to help the sick monkeys.
The king did not listen.
He waved to his bodyguards.
Take this man and his animals away, he said.
Lock them up in the prison.
I want them out of my sight.
So the bodyguards led them all away and locked them up in a stone prison.
It was a small room with high walls.
There was only one window and it was very high up.
The door was thick and strong.
Everyone's spirits were low.
No one had expected anything like this to happen.
Poor Gub-Gub started to cry.
Chi-Chi became angry and told the pig to stop.
Now, now, Dr. Doolittle said, it won't do us any good if we fight amongst ourselves.
We need to think clearly about what to do next.
Only then did Dr. Doolittle notice that Polynesia was not with them.
He called for her, but there was no reply.
I don't think I've seen her since we were talking to the king, Dr. Doolittle said.
Oh, I hope she's all right.
She's probably just gone off, the crocodile grumbled.
That's just like her.
She's probably with all her old friends right now.
She was so excited about coming back to Africa.
That's all she talked about.
Now she's left us trapped in here.
I'm not that kind of bird, Polynesia said as she climbed out of Dr. Doolittle's coat pocket.
Polynesia, Dr. Doolittle cried.
I'm so happy to see you.
You should be, Polynesia said.
I'm small enough to fit through that tiny window up there.
I was worried that they'd put me in a cage, so I hid in Dr. Doolittle's coat.
Goodness me, Dr. Doolittle exclaimed.
You're lucky I didn't sit on you.
Now listen, Polynesia said.
I have a plan.
She jumped onto a bench so she could see the other animals and the doctor clearly.
Tonight, as soon as it gets dark, I'll sneak through the window and fly back to the palace.
Then I'll find a way to convince the king to let us pass through, she said.
How do you do that?
Gub-Gub the pig asked.
You're only a bird.
Quite true, she said.
Polynesia said, but you must remember that I can speak man's language.
I'm sure I'll think of something clever.
So that night, when the moon was shining, Polynesia flew to the high tiny window.
She slipped outside easily.
She flew to the palace.
One of the kitchen windows was broken.
Polynesia climbed in through the hole in the glass.
She moved quietly through the palace until she found the king's bedroom.
She opened the door gently and peeked in.
The queen was away at a dance, but king was sound asleep and snoring in his bed.
Polynesia moved quickly across the room.
She did not fly because she knew the flap of wings might be too loud.
She hid underneath his bed.
Then Polynesia coughed.
It sounded exactly like Dr. Doolittle's cough.
She could imitate anyone.
The king woke up.
Is that you, dear? he called.
He thought it was his wife returning from the dance.
The parrot coughed again.
The king sat up in bed.
Who is that? he said.
I am Dr. Doolittle, Polynesia said.
She sounded exactly like the doctor, too.
What are you doing in my bedroom? the king asked.
He looked around the room.
He could not see anyone standing in the dark room.
I had you locked up in the prison.
How dare you escape?
Where are you?
I don't see you.
Polynesia laughed.
It was a slow, deep, jolly laugh, much like Dr. Doolittle's.
Stop laughing, the king shouted.
He was getting upset.
Come here at once so I can see you.
Foolish king, she said.
Have you forgotten that you were talking to the great Dr. Doolittle?
Polynesia tried to make her voice sound as loud as possible. course you cannot see me, she said.
I have made myself invisible.
There's nothing I cannot do.
Why are you here? the king cried.
I have come to warn you, Polynesia said.
If you do not set me and my animals free, I will cause a sickness throughout your land.
If I can make people well, I can certainly make them sick.
Polynesia was not happy with telling lies.
She did not know what else to do, though.
Tricking the king was her only option.
You wouldn't do such a thing, the king exclaimed.
Would you?
I'm afraid so, Polynesia said.
You must set us all free.
Then let us pass through your land.
Remember your highness.
Do not try my patience.
The king began to tremble.
He jumped from his bed.
Doctor, he cried, it shall be as you say.
I will take care of it right away.
He then ran out the door to talk to the guards.
As soon as the king left the bedroom, Polynesia crawled from beneath the bed.
She flew quietly back downstairs and left through the kitchen window.
Unfortunately, the queen was coming home at the same time.
She saw the parrot sneak out through the window.
She thought this was a strange thing.
When the king returned to the bedroom, he told her all about his mysterious visitor.
The queen immediately knew the truth.
"'You are such a fool,' she said. was not the doctor.
It was his parrot.
I saw her leave through the kitchen window.
She tricked you.
The king was furious.
He rushed to the prison, but it was too late.
The guards had already opened the door.
Dr. Doolittle and his animals were gone.
