Big Book '98TWO BOYS AND A RAFT
by Matt Faure
"We've finally finished," said Michael. "I hope it floats, because that's the last of our wood," said Steven. "Let's take it for a test run."
They picked up the raft and set off towards the lake. As they went past Mr. Morris's Milkbar, he opened the door and asked them where they were going. They told him that they were going to the lake to float the raft. "Be very careful," warned Mr. Morris, as he handed them the sandwiches they had bought for lunch.
They got the raft into the water. It floated, so they paddled to the island in the middle of the lake. When they got there they had lunch. Michael started to make a small tent. Steven went to explore the island. The island was as big as a basketball court and covered in trees, so it didn't take long to look around. It then became very hot, so they went home.
The two boys returned to the island the next day. After a good day, they were paddling back to the shore of the lake when Michael fell overboard. Steven couldn't reach him. Michael's bag was taking him down. Michael disappeared down into the murky water.
Just then Mr. Morris was riding past on the bike track near the lake. "Mr. Morris! Mr. Morris! Michael has fallen into the lake!" Mr. Morris dived into the lake and saved Michael. Michael came up gasping for air. "I told you boys to be careful," said Mr. Morris. "Come on boys, back to my shop for a hot chocolate."
They went back to the lake next day, but their raft was gone. They called in to tell Mr. Morris about the missing raft, but he was busy stacking planks of wood in his backyard. He didn't seem surprised at all when they told him.