39 Clues 05 - The Black Circle by Patrick Carman

Author:Patrick Carman [Carman, Patrick]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Published: 2010-12-05T06:10:47.933000+00:00

Come on, maybe we can get in and out fast."Alexander Palace was completely different from Catherine Palace. Ancient white columns of stone stood before pale yellow walls that seemed to go on forever in a wide U-shape. Behind the circular driveway lay a sprawling green lawn leading to a shimmering pond.

"I hope you know where we're going," said Dan.

"This place is gigantic. It could take hours to find one room."

"I've got it covered," said Amy. She had taken down notes on a piece of hotel stationery, which she pulled out of her pocket."According to a travel blog I read, Alexei's Playroom is on the second floor in the children's wing. We go past the Crimson Room, which will put us in the Marble Hall, then to a Portrait Hall..."Amy kept reading off elaborate directions until they arrived at the arched front door and entered the palace. A uniformed tour guide nodded and smiled."Can you point us in the direction of Alexei's Playroom?"

asked Dan."Certainly." The man turned and pointed to a wide set of stairs.

"Up there, down hall, left. Is great room."Amy put away her directions and scowled at Dan.

"Show-off."Within minutes, they were standing at the doorway of one of the most incredible playrooms Amy had ever seen."This kid had it good," said Dan.

"I'd never leave unless I had to eat or use the bathroom."Alexei's Playroom was a vast space filled with handmade toys of every imaginable kind. There was a miniature tepee at the center of the room with two child-size canoes standing by. An elaborate train set with tracks running every which way, a giant stuffed sheepdog, sailing ships, and crates of blocks. The ceiling was hung with airplanes and gliders, and toy houses lined one entire wall."I don't see any clothes, do you?" asked Amy. The exhibit was designed to allow viewers to walk through the middle of the playroom on a narrow red carpet and exit on the other side."Come on," said Dan.

"Let's get a closer look."

"Your parents are nearby?"Amy was on edge already and the voice startled her. When she turned, she saw that the tour guide from downstairs had followed them up."Children are not allowed without parents. Little hands are tempted."Amy wished Dan had left the goatee on, but it was too late now.Dan glanced at her, then started talking.

"This whole vacation has been the pits. Booooring. Just our luck we finally find something really cool and we can't go inside."Amy caught on quickly and jumped in.

"Our mom and dad are still over at Catherine Palace, looking at paintings. Ugh."The tour guide seemed to understand."My children love this room also."

"Can you take us in?" pleaded Dan.The tour guide glanced back down the hall. It was early yet and the palace was relatively empty. No one else appeared to be coming.

"Hands in pockets, please! No touching!"Amy and Dan reluctantly pocketed their hands, and the tour guide entered the room in front of them. He was showing them the ships when a rambunctious set of very young British children appeared in the doorway.

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