CHAPTER 9
"The Passion Seizes Poor Crikey"

Alas dear reader, once again I have to bring serious news to your attention. The passion that has gripped poor Crikey is far worse that I had imagined, and seems to be spiraling out of control.

But lets us step back a moment to discuss this flaw in Crikey's otherwise impressive character. For a start he is always polite and respectful to his mother, and almost always does what he is asked to do. He shows endless patience and love to his little sister and never refuses to play one of her boring games when she asks.

Crikey is very fond of his big brother and models much of his behaviour on Snappy's excellent example. He has a fine singing voice and regularly entertains the river folk with impromptu Rock and Roll items and always says 'thank you very much' when they clap.

So you can see that Crikey is a fine young fellow with just one little problem about which he should probably seek some counselling - his occasional uncontrollable moments of Passion.

But back to the story where Reggie and Audrey stirred and slurped and prattled on so much, they didn't suspect for a moment that their peaceful picnic was about to be shattered. As for poor Crikey, try as he might, he just couldn't stop the hand of fate that was just about to deal him some real excitement. Climbing into the car as we all suspected he would, the grip of the steering wheel and the lure of the large red button were just too much for the passionate young fellow to resist.