CHAPTER X. THE RAREST ANIMAL OF ALL The Pushmi Pulleys are now extinct.
There are no more to be found anywhere on earth.
In the days when Dr Doolittle lived, there were still a few in the jungles of Africa.
Even then though, they were very, very rare.
They had no tail, but a head at each end.
There were sharp horns on each head.
They were shy and terribly hard to catch.
You could not sneak up on Push-Me-Pull-You's, as they would always see you coming.
Also, their heads slept at different times, so no Push-Me-Pull-You had ever been caught.
Many hunters had tried over the years, but none was successful.
So the monkeys set out to find a Pushmi Pulyu.
It was several miles into the jungle when one of them spotted unusual hoof prints.
These were fresh tracks.
They knew that a Pushmi Pulyu was close by.
They walked along the riverbank, following the tracks.
They noticed a place where the grass was thick and tall.
It was the perfect hiding place for a Pushmi Pulliyu.
They all joined hands and made a giant circle around the grassy spot.
The Pushmi Pulliyu heard them and tried to run away.
He could not break through the ring of monkeys, though.
When he saw that there was no use trying to escape, he sat down.
He waited to see what would happen next.
We would like to ask a favor, the grand gorilla said.
Would you go back to Puddleby with Dr. Doolittle?
We are grateful for all he's done.
We want to give him something very special.
Oh, most certainly not, the push-me-pull-you said.
I could never do that.
The monkeys explained to him that he would not be put in a zoo.
He would live with the doctor at his home and have a wonderful life.
The push-me-pull-you shook his head.
No, you know how shy I am.
I would hate to be stared at.
The monkeys tried to convince him that he would enjoy living with a good doctor.
After quite some time, the push-me-pull-you agreed to meet with Dr. Doolittle.
If he liked him, he would consider going with him.
So the push-me-pull-you and the monkeys traveled back to Dr. Doolittle's grass hut.
They knocked on the door.
The duck was packing the trunk.
She turned to the door and said, Come in.
Chi-Chi brought the push-me-pull-you inside.
He was very proud.
My goodness, the doctor exclaimed.
What on earth is that?
He couldn't believe his eyes.
My word, dab-dab the duck said.
She looked at the strange animal with a head on both ends of its body.
How does it make up its mind?
This is the push-me-pull-you, said Chi-Chi.
It's the rarest animal in all the African jungles.
It is the only two-headed beast in the world.
If you take him home with you, all your money troubles will be solved.
People will pay any money to see him.
But I don't want any money, said the doctor.
Yes, you do, said Dap-Dap.
You always forget that we need money to live.
Don't you remember how we had to scrimp and save? asked Jip.
Also, we borrowed the fisherman's boat, and now it's ruined.
How will we ever pay him back if we don't have any money?
I was going to build him one, said the doctor sheepishly.
Do be sensible, cried Dab-Dab.
You're not a carpenter.
You've never built anything out of wood.
You would have no idea where to start.
Chi-Chi's right.
We need to take this funny-looking creature with us.
Well, I do see your point, murmured the doctor.
I don't think it would be a very nice move for him, though.
I would hate for him to leave this lovely place to go on display.
It wouldn't seem fair.
But would he—I'm sorry, I forgot his name—would he like to come home with us?'
"'Yes, I'll go,' said the push-me-pull-you.
He had seen at once that Dr. Doolittle was a man to be trusted.
"'You have been so kind to all the animals here.
The monkeys tell me that I am the only one who will do, but you must promise me one thing.'
"'Of course,' Dr. Doolittle said, whatever you would like.'
If I don't like living in your land, you must promise to send me back.
Why, certainly, he said.
Excuse me, would you mind if I asked you a question?
Please, go ahead, the push-me-pull you said.
Dr. Doolittle took his book out of his pocket and started to make notes.
I noticed you only speak with one mouth.
Can you talk with the other one?
Certainly.
The push-me-pull-you said, I just like to save the other one for eating.
That way I can talk while I eat and not appear rude.
When the packing was done and they were ready to go, the monkeys threw a party for their friends.
All the animals of the jungle came.
They ate pineapples and mangoes and honey.
There were all sorts of good things to eat and drink.
The doctor stood up to make a speech.
My friends, he said, I have never been very good at speeches, but I'll try.
I want to tell you all how sad I am to leave this beautiful land.
I wish I could stay, but I have too many responsibilities in my own home.
Although I came here for sad reasons, I'm glad that I was able to come and help.
All the animals cheered and saluted the good doctor.
Please remember that you should never let flies settle on your food before you eat it, and do not sleep on the ground when the rains are coming.
Dr. Doolittle paused for a moment.
And I hope, I hope you will all live happily ever after.
The Grand Gorilla rolled up a large rock.
He placed it near the door of the hut.
This rock.
We'll mark the spot where Dr Doolittle once lived, the great doctor who traveled so far to save the monkeys of the African jungle.
The animals cheered again, and a tear came to the doctor's eye.
It was a wonderful tribute and even today, if you go to that spot in the jungle, you will see the rock.
Then, when the party was over, the doctor and his animals started on their way to the seashore.
All the monkeys went with him as far as the edge of their country, carrying the trunk and bags to see them off.
