5. Professor Ratigan (1/1)

professor ratigan

when basil returned home from his studies, ratigan was at the train station to welcome him. after telling about his adventures at the university, basil inquired about his friend's life.

"i've noticed that a lot of rodents become criminals out of need or anger," ratigan began. "some begin by stealing when they have no food. others feel like they have no chance to make a decent life for themselves, and crime is the only way they feel any sort of power."

basil nodded.

"i've often wondered if some criminals could reform with counseling, just as alcoholics can sometimes be taught to go without liquor."

"would i be very much in error if i assumed you wished to offer assistance to certain felons?"

"they could serve a certain amount of time behind bars first, depending on their crimes. perhaps those guilty of minor offenses could choose reformation as an alternative to prison."

"interesting theory," basil complimented. "who shall work with the delinquents until their reformation is complete?"

"i would be willing."

ratigan was nearly overwhelmed by the large turn out in his first session. he rang a small bell to signal that he was about to begin, and everyone else quieted down.

"good afternoon," he greeted. "since this is our first meeting, i would like us all to get to know each other a little better. as this is sort of like a class, you may call me 'professor ratigan.' i want to help you, so i will do my best to be patient and tolerant, but you should know my best friend is a detective, so if any of you ever upset me, basil and i will see you arrested! you will serve time in prison rather than having a second chance to be a good citizen. just don't give me any trouble, and i won't give you any." he cleared his throat. "now we will all take turns saying our names and what we'd like to do with our lives."

a lizard stood. "i'm bill. whatever i end up doing for a living, i just want my own family someday."

ratigan smiled. "we'll keep that in mind, bill."

a mouse was next. "my name is henry, and i've always wanted to be a landscape artist."

the next mouse stood. "i'm lewis. i'd like to travel."

"robert. i want to be famous."

"my name's allen. i think i'd like to run for parliament."

by the time ratigan retired, he had helped nearly five hundred law

eakers reform their ways. many of these former delinquents also dedicated their lives to preventing others from turning criminal.