Mystery of the Mixed-Up Zoo Read Free Page A

said in surprise. “Who would have thought it? Edward is such a gentle man.” She picked up the small photo. “This must be Edward in his pilot’s suit, and, look, there’s a pair of silver wings pinned to the collar of his leather jacket. And in the background is a plane with the words, ‘The Wildcats.’ ”
    Jessie took the picture and studied it. “Next to Edward is a real wildcat on a chain. Do you suppose that was their mascot?”
    â€œI’m sure of it,” Henry said. “I want to ask him about these things.” He walked away. “Ouch!” he groaned, rubbing his shin. “I stumbled over this pile of books.”
    Jessie laughed. “It isn’t a pile now. Books are scattered everywhere.”
    Henry studied the bookcase. “We could paint this and set it on the other side of Edward’s big chair.”
    A noise in back of her caused Jessie to turn around. Suddenly her mouth formed an O of astonishment. “Oh, no!” she whispered. “Benny, what have you done?”
    Benny stared down at his shirt. “I decorated myself,” he said proudly.
    â€œOh,” Violet said in a dismayed voice. “You certainly did.” She touched one of the red and white hooks. “You got into Edward’s fishing tackle box.”
    Benny touched one of the fishhooks that he’d pinned on his shirt. Dozens of different-colored feathered fishhooks covered his shirt. Henry tried to get one off, but the hook was embedded in the cloth.
    â€œIt’s a good thing that’s an old T-shirt,” Jessie said quietly. “We’ll have to cut off every hook!”
    Benny asked, “Did I do something wrong?”
    Violet said, “Fishhooks are hard to get loose. And,” she added in a firm tone, “they’re dangerous and shouldn’t be played with.”
    â€œI won’t do it again,” Benny promised.
    â€œI know you won’t,” Violet said.
    Jessie, with great care, cut off every fishhook. Benny’s shirt was filled with holes. “What can I do with it now?” he asked.
    â€œDon’t worry about it, Benny,” Henry said. “You can use it to help us polish this cabinet.”
    So they all pitched in and rubbed the wood to a beautiful sheen, then placed the antique cabinet by Edward’s chair.
    â€œWhat a nice addition to the living room,” Jessie said, standing back.
    â€œYes, isn’t it?” Violet agreed, placing on top of it a blue vase she’d found.
    When they finished, the children prepared a delicious dinner.
    Edward’s eyebrows lifted when he saw the shiny glasses, and two candles in the center of the round table. “I didn’t know my house could look so beautiful!” Edward said. He smiled when the meal was served. Baked chicken, peas, mashed potatoes, muffins, and for dessert, hot apple pie topped with ice cream.
    â€œMy grandchildren are very competent,” Grandfather said proudly.
    That night everyone slept well. The children were tired from their busy day.
    The following morning Henry said, “I noticed a bookstore across the street from Mike’s Grocery. Shall we see what’s in it?”
    â€œOh, let’s,” Jessie said eagerly.
    â€œAren’t we going to the zoo?” Benny asked in a disappointed voice.
    â€œOf course, we are,” Violet answered. “First the bookstore, then the zoo.”
    Entering the bookstore, the children were greeted by a tall lanky man who was bald and wore glasses. “Come in,” he said in a welcoming voice. He bent down and asked Benny, “And what kind of books do you like to read?”
    â€œBooks about animals,” Benny said quickly.
    â€œAhh,” the skinny man said, raising his brows and glancing at the older children.
    Jessie laughed. “Yes, we’re all interested in animals.”
    â€œEspecially animals in a zoo,” Henry said.
    â€œI