Jeff Brown - Flat Stanleys Worldwide Adventures 4-Book Collection: The Mount Rushmore Calamity, The Great Egyptian Grave Robbery, The Japanese Ninja Surprise, The Intrepid Canadian Expedition

Sleeping bags? George Lambchop called out to his wife, Harriet.

Check! answered Mrs. Lambchop. Wholesome snacks for the boys?

Check! replied Mr. Lambchop.

The Lambchop family was preparing for their vacation to Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota. They were each very excited about the adventure.

Mr. Lambchop was excited because he was going to collect another state park sticker for the rear window of the car.

Mrs. Lambchop was excited because she was going to learn more about the history of South Dakota.

Their younger son, Arthur, was excited because he was hoping to meet some real, live cowboys.

And Stanley, the Lambchops older son, was excited because he was going somewhere nobody would recognize him.

Not long ago, Stanley had awakened to find that his enormous bulletin board had fallen upon him during the night. Since then, the family had gotten used to having a flattened boy in the house. But when he ventured outside, he often caused a commotion: Look, Marge! There he isthe famous flattened kid! Wonder what new adventure hes up to now? Or, Say there, Flatty, mind if we take a picture?

The truth is, both Lambchop brothers were getting a bit tired of all the attention Stanley was getting. It would be nice, they agreed, to get away someplace where people didnt make such a fuss.

Well, I think were ready, said Mr. Lambchop, surveying the mountain of suitcases and camping equipment in the hall.

Not quite, dear, replied Mrs. Lambchop. Remember, we still have to consult Dr. Dan about Stanleys travel needs. Better safe than sorry.

Well, the boy is still flat, Doctor Dan pronounced, when he was finished with his examination.

Yes, we know that, said Stanleys father. We were wondering whether such a trip would be suitable for Stanley in his present condition. Mount Rushmores elevation is 5,725 feet, for one thing. And well be traveling by automobile along the scenic highways at a fairly high velocity.

Here Mrs. Lambchop interrupted her husband with a chuckle. Not too high a velocity, of course, she said.

Mr. Lambchop smiled at his wifes joke. Both she and Mr. Lambchop were always careful to obey local speed limits. Still, he said, we did feel it would be wise to check with you.

Its a good thing you did. More people should be concerned about the effects of travel on the body. The human being is a very complex organism. Even we doctors, with our extensive knowledge, dont completely understand it.

Oh, dear, Mrs. Lambchop said anxiously. Will it be all right for Stanley to come with us?

Of course! said Doctor Dan. I cant think of any reason why not!

The next day, after a hearty breakfast, the Lambchop family began to pack the car for their big trip. In went the tent, four sleeping bags, and the rest of the camping gear. In went the suitcases, the cameras, and coolers. Arthur came out with his arms fullhis authentic cowboy saddle, his authentic cowboy harmonica, and his authentic cowboy lasso.

Oh, dear, Mrs. Lambchop murmured, surveying the overstuffed car. There doesnt seem to be much room for the boys!

Playing cowboys is for little kids, Stanley said. Now that Ive been in the newspaper, Im too grown-up for that sort of thing. I think Arthur should leave all that stuff behind.

Arthur glared at his brother. Stanley can ride on the roof, he suggested.

Mr. Lambchop considered this. Well, if we lash him down securely

I think not, decided Mrs. Lambchop. We will be pointing out many sights along the way. I dont want Stanley to miss them.

And so both boys squeezed into the backseat with much grumbling, and the family set out.

Along the way, the Lambchops did indeed come upon many wondrous sights: inspiring cityscapes, fields of bountiful crops, and numerous glories of nature.

We should all be grateful to have good eyesight as we travel through this great land of ours, Mr. Lambchop noted. The rest of the Lambchops agreed they were very fortunate indeed.

Every time they crossed into a new state, the family recited its motto and sang its song. They played License Plate Bingo and I Spy, and the hours passed fairly quickly. Nonetheless, everyone was delighted to arrive at the gates of Mount Rushmore State Park. The boys craned their heads out the windows to gaze up at the sixty-foot-tall faces carved in the mountain, while Mr. Lambchop paid the admission fees. And as soon as the car was parked, they sprang out.

Im all crumpled! Stanley groused, trying to smooth himself out.

Well, Im practically flattened! complained Arthur.

Boys, hurry along, said Mrs. Lambchop. Were just in time to catch the last tour group.

The Lambchops fell in with a group of cheerful-looking tourists. In nineteen thirty-seven, the tour guide was telling them, a bill was introduced to add Susan B. Anthony as a fifth face. This bill failed, so today we still have the original four: Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln, who is directly below us now.

Mr. and Mrs. Lambchop were fascinated by the interesting facts the tour guide related. But the boys wandered away from the groupthey were still feeling a little rambunctious after spending so many hours cramped in the car.

They were also still feeling, it must be said, a little irritable with each other.

Ha, ha! Arthur taunted his brother from the edge of the mountain. I can stand right out here, but you cant! Youd blow away now that youre flat!

Suddenly, the ground shook.

Arthur! Stanley cried. Youd better come ba

With a terrible sound, a large crack split open along Abraham Lincolns hairline. The great carved face began to slide away down the mountainside with Arthur on it!

Without thinking of his own safety, Stanley lunged out and grabbed hold of the retreating rock face. He held on tight. Climb over me! he called to his brother. Use me as a bridge!

Arthur did. In a moment he was back on firm ground, where Mr. and Mrs. Lambchop ran to embrace him.

Just then, a park ranger appeared. You! Flat Boy! Can you hold on a little longer? he called out to Stanley. The repair crew is on the way.

Mr. and Mrs. Lambchop were indignant. My son has a name, Mrs. Lambchop said. Its Stanley!

Sorry, maam, the ranger said. I should have known better, because the same thing happens to me, too. My name is Bob, as it says right here on my name badge. But to park visitors Im always just Hey, ranger! It makes me feel very badly, indeed, as you can imagine.