Encyclopedia Brown: Book 16: The Case of the Mysterious Handprints by Donald J. Sobol

Author:Donald J. Sobol [Sobol, Donald J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780307781970
Publisher: Turtleback Books
Published: 1985-01-01T08:00:00+00:00

“That must wear you out,” Sally said.

“No, pigs are easy to train,” Lucy replied. “They are humble, even-tempered, and smarter than dogs.”

A man in a dark suit shouted, “Two minutes to post time.”

Lucy gave the leash around Hambone’s neck a gentle tug. “Stay close to me,” she whispered to the detectives. “I’ll say you’re my assistant trainers.”

Encyclopedia and Sally joined Lucy and Hambone in the pig parade to the track. At the starting line were four chutes, large plywood boxes with an overhead door at each end. An air slot six inches long and an inch wide was cut into the top of each chute.

Encyclopedia had a minute to study the other three racers and their trainers.

At chute number two was Fast Fatso, trained by Mrs. Markin. Fast Fatso seemed excited. Mrs. Markin seemed nervous. She kept glancing over at Hambone.

At chute number three was Greasy Lightning, trained by Mr. Heston, who was chewing yellow bubble gum.

At chute number four was Upset Tummy, trained by Mr. Dawson, Chuck Dawson’s father. Mr. Dawson was speaking into Upset Tummy’s right ear.

“Runners, take your mark,” the starter hollered.

Lucy removed the leash from Hambone’s neck. Immediately Hambone darted through the open rear door and into the chute.

“Strange, he usually doesn’t like to get into the chute,” Lucy remarked. She let the rear door drop closed.

Within seconds all the pigs had disappeared into the chutes. The starter rang a bell. At the same time he pulled a rope that opened the front doors of the four chutes.

The huge tent shook with cries of “They’re off!”

Hambone never had a chance. He broke from his chute late and couldn’t make up ground. Mrs. Markin’s Fast Fatso took the win in 4.12 seconds and the chocolate chip cookie at the finish line even faster. Hambone wound up last.

Lucy was stunned. “Hambone always makes such a great start,” she murmured. “I don’t understand.…”

While Sally tried to comfort her, Encyclopedia examined the top of Hambone’s chute. He had noticed a speck of brown on the edge of the air slot. He sniffed … chocolate!

“Did you find something?” Sally asked anxiously.

“I found the reason for Hambone’s bad start,” Encyclopedia said, “and the person responsible. To think I nearly missed one of the clues!”

WHAT DID ENCYCLOPEDIA MEAN?

(Turn to this page for the solution to The Case of the Prize Pig.)

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