Piddle Putt and Diddle Dawdle lived beneath the sea. The cutest little Hermit Crabs your eyes will ever see. But Piddle Putter did a thing that drove his Mama wild. He'd twist his face. He'd scratch his nose, he'd yell - then sweetly smile.

"Piddle Putt," Mom said one day, "you're driving me insane. I'm going to pack your' duffel bag and send you on the train. Your cousin, precious Diddle Dawdle, understands your ways. I'll send you over to his house for just a few short days."

Piddle Putter scratched his nose. With twisted mouth did scream, "Mommy, I don't like you! I'll tell Daddy, you are mean!"

Mama said, "That's quite alright. Your Daddy understands. You best hope he won't set you straight with one swipe of his hand.

I love you, darling Piddle Putt, from heart beneath my breast; but Diddle Dawdle's Mom says, 'Come, and give your Mom a rest.'

And when you come back, Piddle; Diddle Dawdle can come too. The two of you can laugh and play, and close friendship renew."

As Daddy carried Piddle and his neatly packed blue bag, the Ocean Rail conductor yelled, "Last call now - please don't lag!"

Piddle scratched his little nose, as Daddy held him tight.

"Have fun, my dearest Piddle - and say your prayers each night."

The Ocean Rail chugged past a sting-ray, and past a jelly fish. A big smile grew on Piddle's face. This was his secret wish!

Now, Diddle was quite different. 'Wore only one green shoe. But even tho he hopped around, he found so much to do.

Piddle's heart so quietly laughed at ventures yet to be. Soon he and Diddle would explore the

LAND OF MYSTERY!

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CHAPTER II

FIRST NIGHT

The Ocean Rail arrived, and Piddle ran and hugged his friend. Diddle's eyes were sparkling, and his Dad just stood and grinned. Dad watched the two of them embrace, then slap together hands. As if they had a secret; as if they had a plan.

Diddle's Dad led the way home.

"Hello to all", he'd say.

Piddle piddled, Diddle dawdled. They giggled all the way.

Mom had dinner cooking, said..."Now, Darlings, have some fun. But when I call to come and eat, come to me at a run!"

After dinner, Dad sat back in his old easy chair. He watched the children playing 'til time for bed and prayer.

When lights were out and children hugged, and tucked in bed so near; Diddle's Daddy listened, as 'whispers' filled his ear.

Before the crack of early morn, to Piddle, Diddle said;

"Wake up! It's time for journey," and they scampered out of bed.

They tiptoed, oh so softly; and quietly closed the door. And then they took off running, as they shouted,

"Let's explore!"

Piddle said, "I'm frightened!"

Diddle, 'nervous as could be. This was the day they'd planned for.

TO EXPLORE ABOVE THE SEA!

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CHAPTER III

THE ADVENTURE

Piddle Putt and Diddle Dawdle crept up on dry land. Their little hearts were beating fast. They felt the warmth of sand!

But suddenly a puff of wind blew sand in Piddle's eye. His eye began to water, and he began to cry. The tears soon washed the sand away, but sun became quite stern. Diddle said, "My nose does hurt! I suffer from sunburn!"

They saw two men approaching. They looked like old crabnappers!

Oh, no! They both have nets in hand. These are the 'Cranky Crabbers!'

Piddle's Dad had told him of the dangers on dry land. Cranky Crabbers searched for crabs to cook them in a pan.

"RUN!"....cried Diddle.

"Run for your life! Hide quickly!"...both did bound. Diddle hid in empty shell, and Piddle 'neath the ground.

Too late! They were both spotted! Ill fate, they both had met. They were so cruelly yanked around, and tossed in deep, dark net.

In darkness now they bitter wept. Regretted their wrong deed. If only they could return home, "Forgive me," they would plead.

Then suddenly! A curdling scream!

"OH! NO! OUCH! NO! LET GO!"

Then...."RELEASE MY PRECIOUS BABIES, OR I'LL PINCH OFF YOUR' BIG TOE!"

Diddle's Daddy's claw held tight. Crabbers knew not what to do. Daddy was a hero. He had come to the rescue!

The Cranky Crabbers threw the net. Then, Daddy's voice did roar.

"PIDDLE...DIDDLE...FOLLOW ME!" He raced toward ocean's shore.

That night when children were tucked in, Mom sang a lullaby. And Daddy gently touched their heads and breathed a heartfelt sigh.

"Children, you must obey Mom. And obey Father, too. You are very young yet, and your parents protect you."

Piddle Putt and Diddle pretended then to sleep. Mom smiled and turned the lamp off and out the door did creep.

Then Diddle turned to Piddle. They slapped each other's hand.

Boy, Dad was sure a Hero! I'll be like Him when a man."

Piddle grinned and said, "Me too! When grown up we will go, and hunt that old crabnapper. And we'll pinch off his big toe!"

The two of them began to laugh, and said,

"This we most surely know! Crabnapper had to hurry home and doctor his old toe!"

Daddy's thoughts returned to days he long had left behind. The memories of his childhood softly swirled inside his mind.

God is good, and God is kind. He watches carefully. When danger threatened children....

HE SENT ONE TO SET THEM FREE!

THE END. IT IS FINISHED!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Matthew 19:14

Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~