Henry and Beezus Read Free

Henry’s arm and pointed in the direction from which Ribsy had come. “Look!”
    A police dog, a fox terrier, and a sort of a collie were running down Klickitat Street toward Ribsy. Now there would be a dogfight, and the roast would be torn to pieces, and the two big dogs would chew up Ribsy. They would probably chew the fox terrier, too, and Henry knew the lady who owned him was very particular about keeping him out of dog fights. Henry would be blamed because the big dogs bit the little dog and…Suddenly Henry found he was too tired to do much of anything. He picked up a clod of dirt and threw it at the dogs as they passed him. “Beat it,” he said, but he didn’t bother to shout. He knew it was no use.
    â€œBoy, a dogfight!” Robert was delighted. “This is going to be keen.”
    â€œAw, keep quiet,” said Henry. Robert wouldn’t feel that way if Ribsy were his dog. The sort of collie was gaining on Ribsy, and the police dog was not far behind. Poor Ribsy! Henry shut his eyes. He couldn’t stand seeing Ribsy chewed to pieces.
    â€œGangway everybody!” It was Scooter’s voice. Leaning over his handlebars and pumping as hard as he could, he tore down the street behind the three dogs. He passed Henry and Robert and, swerving to avoid the dogs, caught up with Ribsy. He didn’t stop for the curb, but rode right over it with a tremendous bump. Then he flung himself off the bicycle and on top of Ribsy before the dog knew what was happening.
    Ribsy dropped the meat and Scooter snatched it. He sprang on his bicycle, wheeled around in the middle of the street, and started back toward the Grumbies’ house, holding the meat above his head with one hand. The three other dogs and Ribsy all chased after Scooter, barking and growling as they jumped up and tried to snap at the meat.
    Eluding them all, Scooter pedaled triumphantly back down Klickitat Street. “Hi,” he said briefly to Henry and Robert as he passed them.
    â€œHey, give me that meat,” demanded Henry. Scooter ignored him.

    â€œHow do you like that!” said Robert.
    â€œHe sure thinks he’s smart.”
    Henry ran after Scooter, who pedaled even faster. Henry put on a burst of speed. So did Scooter. So did the dogs. Henry could hear the neighbors laughing. He tried to run faster, but Scooter stayed just out of his reach.
    When Scooter reached the Grumbies’ house, he handed the meat to its owner. “There you are, Mr. Grumbie,” he said.
    Mr. Grumbie took the battered roast. “Thank you, Scooter. That was mighty quick thinking on your part.”
    â€œIt wasn’t anything,” said Scooter modestly. “It was easy to catch up with him on my bike.”
    The other dogs lost interest and ran away, but Ribsy continued to whimper and jump for the meat. Then even he gave up and sat panting, with his long pink tongue hanging out.
    Poor Ribsy, thought Henry. He wanted that meat so much. Maybe he’s tired of horse meat. Henry wished he dared to pet his dog, even though he had been cross with him.
    â€œHe’s a dumb dog,” said Scooter. “It’s a good thing I came along and saved him from those other dogs when I did.”
    â€œI think you’re mean, Scooter McCarthy,” said Beezus. “Poor Ribsy.”
    â€œWhy don’t you go home?” said Henry to Scooter.
    â€œNow, children,” said Mrs. Huggins. Then she said to Mrs. Grumbie, “You must let us buy you another roast. Henry can help pay for it out of his allowance. He knows he is supposed to keep his dog out of your yard.”
    â€œGee, my mother says roasts are expensive,” said Scooter.
    â€œYou keep quiet.” Henry scowled at Scooter. Why was Scooter always around when things happened to him? “Jeepers, I’m sorry, Mrs. Grumbie,” said Henry. “I don’t know what got into Ribsy. He was just hungry, I guess.”
    â€œHe always