Kate’s Vermonth Adventure Read Free Page B

chest and stared at her. “Well, maybe I
will
enter after all. We’ll just see who’s the best.”
    â€œFine.” Sydney shrugged. She stuck out her hand and added, “And may the best skier win!”
    Michael shook her hand then went back to his work. Kate could see now that he was putting together an electronic resistor board.
What are they building out here, anyway?
she wondered. She drew near to Sydney and whispered, “What can I do to help you win the competition?”
    â€œHmm.” Sydney pursed her lips and squinted her eyes. “I guess you could help me find the perfect skis. I’ll have to rent them, probably.” A sad look came over her. “I guess that will cost even more money, so maybe not. I don’t know.”
    â€œMaybe Aunt Molly can help with that,” Kate suggested.
    â€œMaybe. And then I have to find out where the competition will be held. I want to hit the slopes in advance. Get in plenty of practice.” Sydney’s eyes lit up. “Oh, you need to come with me!”
    â€œMe? Put on skis? I don’t know…” Kate hesitated. “I never…”
    â€œI know you’ve never skied before, but there’s a first time for everything. Besides, I need someone to clock my time. So you won’t really be doing a lot of skiing. I think it will be good for you, Kate! You’ll learn something new, and I know you love learning things.”
    â€œMaybe.” Kate shrugged. “Just usually not sports! But first let’s go talk to Aunt Molly and see if she knows where we can get some skis.”
    â€œHope she has two pairs!” Sydney said, looping her arm through Kate’s. “Then it’ll be you and me…off to ski!”
    Another shiver ran down Kate’s spine. This one had nothing to do with the cold. How could she possibly make Sydney understand…she didn’t like sports! Not one little bit! And the very idea of soaring down a hill with boards strapped to her feet scared her half to death!
    Sighing, she headed back toward the house to ask Aunt Molly about the skis. Hopefully she would only have one pair!

The Mousetrap
    Kate and Sydney tromped through the snow, finally reaching the back door of the inn, which led straight into Aunt Molly’s spacious kitchen with its big, roaring fireplace. As they stomped their snow-covered boots on the mat, Biscuit jumped up and down excitedly. Must be the smell of gingerbread that had him so excited!
    â€œOh, yum!” Kate looked down at a large tray where several cookies were cooling. “I love these!” She pulled off her coat and hung it on the coatrack, then turned to her aunt with a “Can I have one?” grin.
    â€œI’m glad to hear that you like gingerbread.” Aunt Molly handed each of the girls a warm cookie. “Taste and see if they’re any good.”
    â€œOh, they’re the best I’ve ever had!” Kate spoke between bites. She snapped off a little piece and handed it to Biscuit, who gobbled it up and begged for more.
    â€œI saw that, Kate!” Aunt Molly said. “You shouldn’t be giving sweets to a dog!”
    â€œI know, I know.” She sighed and pulled off her mittens. “I know I spoil him…way too much! But he’s such a good dog, and he’s been great at crime-solving, so every now and again I like to treat him.”
    â€œTreat him too much and he’ll be as big around as a turkey at Thanksgiving!” Aunt Molly laughed.
    â€œI know, I know.” Kate hung her head in shame, then looked up with a grin.
    â€œI’ve got some good news!” Aunt Molly said as they nibbled. “The creamery is open again. The health inspector came this morning and couldn’t find any rats. In fact, they couldn’t even find a hint that there had ever
been
rats. Strange, isn’t it?”
    â€œWow! That’s amazing,” Kate said. “I need to go back