Mystery of the Spider's Clue Read Free Page A

names out of the phone book?”
    Thomas smiled mysteriously. “We may never know the answer to that.”
    The Aldens exchanged glances. Why was Sam’s old friend being so vague?
    As if reading their minds, Thomas quickly added, “I drew up the will, but my client didn’t tell me much else. He requested that the invitations be sent out after his death, and his butler did that. I didn’t even know Sam was on the mailing list until he called today. I know the code word, of course,” he went on. “And I know that the first person to come up with it by July twelfth will inherit a nice sum of money. But I’m afraid that’s all I know.” Thomas glanced at his watch. “I don’t like to rush off, but I do have another appointment.”
    â€œYes, yes, of course,” said Sam. “I appreciate your stopping by.”
    Thomas stood up. “You know, those cookies bring back a lot of memories. When we were kids, we used to eat cookies until they were coming out of our ears!” Thomas had a faraway look in his eyes. “We did everything together back then. Why, we were like the Three Musketeers—Sam and Simon and I. Do you remember the way little Pinky used to follow the three of us around, Sam? Whenever we—”
    â€œThe past is best forgotten!” Sam suddenly broke in, giving Thomas a hard look.
    Everyone seemed surprised by Sam’s harsh tone. Why was he getting so upset about the past? And who were Simon and Pinky?
    Thomas looked as if he wanted to argue with his old friend, but he didn’t. There was a strained silence until Mrs. McGregor finally spoke up.
    â€œI’m glad you enjoyed the cookies, Thomas,” she said, trying to change the subject. “They’ve always been a great favorite around the Alden house.”
    Thomas gave Mrs. McGregor a warm smile. Then he said good-bye and left.
    Sam lay back on his pillows. He did not look one bit happy.
    â€œYou seem tired, Sam,” Mrs. McGregor commented. “Perhaps we should be going, too.”
    Benny’s eyes widened in alarm. “But what about the clues?” he cried. “We can’t go before we open the other envelope!”
    â€œRight you are,” said Sam, stirring himself. He reached for the second envelope from the coffee table. “Would you like to open it for me, Benny?”
    â€œSure thing!” Benny jumped from the stool and took the envelope from Sam. Everyone held their breath as Benny opened it and pulled out a folded sheet of paper.
    â€œOh!” Benny exclaimed, his eyes widening as he unfolded the paper. “It’s a poem!” He held it up for everyone to see.
    â€œWould you like me to read it, Benny?” Violet asked. The youngest Alden was just learning to read.
    Benny passed the poem to his sister.
    Violet cleared her throat, then she read aloud:
When the sheep in the meadow
    And the cow in the corn
    Do a figure eight
    In the early morn,
    Look no further,
    For you will see
    The Spider’s Clue
    In the hollow tree.
    Amazed, the Aldens sat in puzzled silence. Jessie looked at Henry. How would they ever figure out such a strange poem?
    Sam seemed to know what they were thinking. “That’s going to be a tough mystery to solve,” he remarked. “You certainly have your work cut out for you.”
    Mrs. McGregor laughed. “If there’s anything these children like, it’s work!”

    â€œWe’re good at figuring out clues,” Benny told Sam. “We’ll find that code word in no time.” He turned to the others. “Right?”
    â€œYes,” said Henry. Then he added honestly “At least, we’ll do our best.”
    Mrs. McGregor said, “Now you can relax, Sam. The mystery’s in good hands. Besides, it’s been ages since you’ve had any time away from your job.”
    Sam’s eyes clouded. “Oh, I don’t mind a bit of time to myself. But I