Chapter 9 Alvin Comes Home      It was a short ride downtown, and they quickly found the right place, but there was no sign of anyone around.  They were just about to go searching when a man carrying a lunchpail popped out of the manhole, followed by his friend.
     "Are you folks here about Alvin?" he called, walking over to join them.
     "Yes!!" the boy answered, excitedly. "Alvin's my pet. Where is he?? Is he ok??" He could hardly contain his excitement at having his pet returned.
     "He's right here," the man said, opening the lunchpail. And there, curled comfortably inside, snoring away, was Alvin, looking rather well-fed and content.
     "Alvin..oh Alvin!!" the boy cried, picking up his pet and giving him an affectionate squeeze. "I'm so glad to see you..."
     Alvin gave a grumble of surprise at being so rudely awakened. But then he recognized the boy and began to squeal happily, wiggling all over. He was home!! He'd never been so happy in his little life! He couldn't wait to see his basement again! But he'd never, NEVER go near that opening again. He was through with adventures and exploring. From now on he'd listen. He never wanted to be lost again.
     The boy and his mother thanked the men for finding Alvin and taking such good care of him. Then they all got back in the car and started for home.
     As soon as he got in the house, the boy called his father to tell him about Alvin being home again. His father was very happy at the news and promised to bring home a surprise for Alvin to celebrate his homecoming.
     "Did you hear that Alvin?" the boy said to his pet, "Dad's bringing you a present!" Isn't that great?"
     At this Alvin's chest swelled with self-importance. See? They HAD missed him! They WERE sorry for banishing him!! He WAS great!!
     Alvin swaggered into the livingroom and curled up on the hearthrug. No more basement for HIM!
     "This is the life...." he sighed happily, and dozed off.
     He was awakened by the boy calling to him.
    "Alvin! Dad's home! Here's your surprise!"
    Alvin jumped up instantly. His surprise!! Oh BOY!!
    He scurried into the hall and stood expectantly.
    "Here you are," said the boy's father, handing the boy a paper bag. "This is something Alvin really needs!"
     The boy opened the bag and looked inside. Suddenly he started to laugh, and, reaching in, pulled out a little collar.
     "Look Alvin," he said bending down to pick up the little 'gator. "It even has your name on it!"
     And, sure enough, there was a shiny tag that said "ALVIN" attached to the collar.
    In less than a moment the collar was fastened around Alvin's neck. It felt kinda funny....
     "Look Alvin, see how nice you look?" the boy said, placing Alvin in front of the mirror. And what Alvin saw pleased him very much.  The collar gave him a certain distinction...a certain air. He stood admiring himself, turning this way and that, squeaking in appreciation of his reflection.  He really was quite magnificent....
     Later that night, the whole family was gathered in the livingroom, glad to have everyone back safe and sound.  It was nice watching Alvin patrol the room again.
     "Well Alvin," the boy said as Alvin sauntered past, "I guess your wandering days are over. Right?  Uh...Right Alvin?  Alvin?"
     But Alvin didn't hear. He had spied an interesting opening in the baseboard and was busy studying it.
     "Hmmmmmm..." he thought. "I wonder where THAT goes? Maybe in the morning I can get it opened and find out...."
     "Oh no," the boy said, picking him up. "I'm not going through THAT again! From now on you're a housebound 'gator!"  And he put Alvin back in his carrier and closed the door.
     But Alvin, being Alvin, was determined to go exploring again. And this time he'd do it right..... THE END    
 
 
 

To Chapter 8		To begin again