8. The Giant Water Pump

Grimblegrot manages to land the helicopter very gently on the grass beside the river. The friends climb out and stare. In the river is a strange machine. Water is gushing from a huge pipe.

Curly takes a close look at the machine. "I know what this is," he cries. "It's a water pump and it's pumping the water up the river."

"I don't think the fish will be very happy about that," says Boysie.

"Why not?" asks Curly. "Why should they mind?"

"River fish like fresh water. If the river is flowing backwards, it will fill up with salt water from the sea," replies Boysie.

"Of course! Then it's even more important that we put a stop to all this. What shall we do now?"

"I've been thinking," says Grimblegrot. "This water must be going somewhere. We must follow the river to find out what is happening."

"How can we do that?" Curly asks. "I thought you said your synchro thing was broken."

"Oh bother!" shouts Grimblegrot. "I'd forgotten about that."

"Can't you mend it?" Boysie asks.

"No. I'll have to walk back and ask the Professor if he has a spare synchrotronic stabiliser."

"Perhaps Boysie and I ought to follow the river while you are gone," Curly says.

"That's a good idea," Grimblegrot tells her. "I'll come and find you when the helicopter is mended."