Youre right, Benny, Jessie said in a shaky voice, pointing to a lean man at the counter. Henry glanced at the tall man hunched over the counter and shrugged. Whats wrong, Jessie? H-Hes humming. So? Henry said. Hes humming that awful tune that I heard...
That night, while Henry stood guard, everyone was restless. Jessie heard a barking dog, Violet heard an owl hoot, Benny heard a scolding squirrel, and Miguel heard the wind in the trees. The children tossed and turned all night, sitting up in bed at...
Were leaving! Henry said. Were heading back to the house. He carefully wrapped the point of the sword in a dust rag. No telling whos around here. I thought you said it was only the wind that slammed the door, Benny said, his head tilted to one side....
When dawn broke, Henry awakened and jumped out of bed. Quietly he went into the kitchen. Jessie joined him. Then Violet and Miguel came in. And last, Benny slowly shuffled toward them. He gave a wide yawn and rubbed his half-closed eyes. Is it time t...
The day before, the Aldens and Miguel had run up the rain-splashed path, not minding the wet and cold. This morning, however, after they had escaped the houses bolted door, they walked up the path to the library without a word. They all were worrying...
That afternoon it was so windy the Aldens left their bikes at home. They each struggled against the ferocious wind to reach the library. Violet and Miguel held Bennys hands. Henry, leaning against the wind, was the first to the library. He unlocked t...
Henry held up the gray glove and shrugged. Someone was poking around in the library and forgot his glove, thats all. Its nothing to worry about. But secretly he wondered who it belonged to, and how the person had gotten in. He thought of the conversa...
The next morning Henry biked to Petes Caf to buy milk and bread. But he had a more important reason. He needed to call Grandfather for advice. Arriving at the caf, Henry carefully placed his bike next to the white building. He entered the caf and gla...
Henry, his finger to his lips, loosened his laces and removed his sneakers. He motioned everyone else to do the same. Next, he tiptoed upstairs, the others following. The Aldens searched upstairs, every corner, every nook, every cranny. Jessie shrugg...
Its almost time for lunch, Benny, Henry announced. He wanted to take Bennys mind off the strange noise. Food usually did the trick. Is it time to eat? Benny looked at Henry. I forgot. You forgot lunch? Jessie teased. Thats hard to believe. Benny was...
The next morning, before anyone awakened, Henry quietly went outside and mounted his bicycle. He pedaled down the winding path and rode the two miles to Petes Caf. He must phone Grandfather and tell him theyd arrived safely. The air smelled salty, an...
Henry unlocked the deserted house and went in first. The sun streamed through the window. He motioned the others to follow. Slowly they went in. The wooden floor creaked. The first large room had a table with five chairs. A stool sat in the corner by...
Grandfather Alden sat in a lawn chair and poured a glass of lemonade. It was a hot August day with the sky a bright blue. When Violet went by, he said, Violet, dear, call the others, will you? Yes, Grandfather, she answered. Ten-year-old Violet was a...
