In the quaint village of Willow, in the suburbs of the city where the most exciting event was the annual pie-eating contest, lived Inspector Septimus Summer-Garden. Known for his peculiar name and even more peculiar methods, Septimus was a detective whose heart was as big as his head was round. Despite his earnest efforts, he often found himself tangled in more confusion than clues. One bright Monday morning, the village awoke to startling news: Mr. Harold Hoppington, the eccentric zoo keeper, had reported that his prized kangaroo, Joey, had vanished without a trace. Joey was not just any kangaroo; he was a celebrity in Willow, known for his cheerful hops and a penchant for wearing tiny bowties.
The village folk gathered nervously as Inspector Summer-Garden arrived at the zoo, tripping over his own feet in the process.
“Ah, yes, the case of the missing kangaroo,” he mumbled, adjusting his oversized hat. “Fear not, citizens! I shall hop right to it.”
First, Septimus examined Joey’s enclosure. The door was securely locked, and there were no signs of forced entry. He squinted at the ground, noticing a trail of tiny footprints leading away from the enclosure.
“Aha! Small footprints,” he exclaimed, pointing dramatically. “This suggests… a very tiny kangaroo, or perhaps… a very big mouse!”
Mrs. Hoppington sighed.
“Inspector, Joey is quite large. Those footprints are tiny.”
Septimus nodded solemnly.
“Indeed, ma’am. Or perhaps a clever thief with tiny shoes! Or… an invisible kangaroo!”
Just then, a faint rustling sound came from behind a nearby bush. Septimus tiptoed over, slipping on a stray banana peel and landing flat on his back. From the bushes, a small, fuzzy creature emerged wearing a miniature bowtie, no less.
It was Joey! The kangaroo was hopping happily, seemingly unbothered. Septimus scrambled to his feet.
“Well, would you look at that? Our missing marsupial was hiding all along!”
Harold Hoppington rushed over, eyes sparkling with relief.
“Joey! You’re safe! But… how did he get out?”
Septimus pondered this as he scratched his head.
“It appears Joey is quite the escape artist. Or perhaps he simply wanted a bit of adventure. Whatever the case, the mystery is solved!”
The townsfolk cheered as Joey was returned to his enclosure, wearing his favorite tiny bowtie with pride. Inspector Summer-Garden, ever the bumbling hero, tipped his hat. “Another case closed, with a hop and a skip!”
And from that day on, the villagers never underestimated the quirky detective, though they did occasionally remind him to watch his step especially around banana peels.
Lazarus Carpenter - Author 