Milo the Mole and the Hidden Town

In the morning, the Tunnel News returned with a serious voice. “The metal won’t hold forever,” it said, “because water can push and wiggle and wear it out.” Milo gulped, and Mayor Mabel said, “Then we’ll guide the water somewhere safe.” Max pointed at the map. “If we dig a new tunnel, the water can go a different way,” he suggested. The digging team hurried to a far corridor, where the ground was strong and dry. To make a doorway for the water, they carefully bent and broke some metal pieces into smaller plates. “Not to waste it,” Milo said, “but to use it like stepping-stones and shields.” The Mole Town Crowd carried the plates to the new tunnel entrance. Mayor Mabel gave the signal, and they opened a small gap near the wall. Water rushed toward the new tunnel, and the metal plates helped guide it like a shiny slide. The village stayed dry, and everyone breathed easier. But then Milo heard a new sound—tap… tap… tap—coming from the detour tunnel. “That doesn’t sound like water,” Max whispered. Mayor Mabel lifted her map and said, “Let’s find out what it is… to be continued!”