Everyone watched in stunned amazement as the vase hit the floor and smashed into shards. Look what you did! the woman screeched at Roscoe. What I did! he yelled back. You made me drop it! Before she turned around, Violet smelled the sweet aroma of la...
The cry of the peacock awakened Benny early Friday morning. Its the last day! he cried, leaping out of bed. I know, Henry said. He threw back his quilt and jumped up. We have a lot to do. A knock sounded at their door. Come in, Benny called, already...
The Aldens ran upstairs to a room with windows that overlooked the front lawn. This is where we found the old paper, Benny said. And now its gone, Violet added. Henry went over to the windows. Roscoe was standing by the empty goldfish pond. He glance...
The sight of Roscoe Janneys car made Henrys pulse beat faster. Roscoe owned a big old Jeep. Do you go camping? he asked Roscoe. He still didnt trust the guy, but he admired that cool car. I used to, Roscoe replied. The Jeep is great over these mounta...
Jessie scooped up the fragile scrap. Whats this? It fell out of the desk when you pulled the drawer, Benny said. The others gathered around to examine the paper. It looks really old, Henry said, handling the paper carefully. The writing is faded in s...
Henry rushed over when he saw Violet having trouble. What happened? he asked, pushing the stand upright. Somebody knocked into me, Violet explained. And I fell into this. Did you see who ran into you? Henry asked. She shook her head. No, but whoever...
You heard Grandfather last night, Henry said as they cleared the breakfast dishes the next morning. Cousin Althea needs nine thousand dollars by Friday. Thats three days from now. The night before, Grandfather brought back groceries along with his gr...
Althea led them into the dining room just as a tour group was leaving. Well have this room to ourselves until the next group comes, she said. Benny glanced around. Dining rooms were only interesting when there was food on the table. Mr. Jefferson was...
Violet shouted, Somebodys out there! Jessie threw back the covers and dashed to the window. I dont see anyone. Are you sure? Positive! Violet thrust back the rosebud-sprigged curtains. A soft mist had drifted in from the hills. It was hard to see cle...
From the front seat of the station wagon, Benny Alden traced the large R at the top of the letter with his finger. What did you say this was again? he asked his grandfather. A monogram, replied Grandfather. The first letter is a persons last name. Ou...
