Deserted Library Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Author:Gertrude Chandler Warner
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781453212356
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Published: 2010-06-15T10:00:00+00:00

“I thought you were tired,” Violet said to Benny softly, her eyes twinkling.

“I was,” Benny said. “The rain made me awake! It was fun!”

Miguel, drops of water glistening on his long lashes, laughed, too. “It was fun, wasn’t it?”

“All right, you two. Time to remove your wet things. Go upstairs and get into your dry pajamas,” Jessie ordered with a smile.

“Okay, Jessie.” And Benny was upstairs before Henry had his coat off.

Jessie built a blazing fire in the fireplace while everyone changed into warm dry clothes.

Henry, in jeans and a sweater, and Violet, in a violet blouse and jeans, took the leftover soup out of the refrigerator and set it on the stove.

While the soup was simmering, everyone drank hot apple cider and sat before the fireplace. They felt cozy and warm as they watched the orange flames.

In the morning, feeling refreshed after a good night’s sleep, they had hot cereal, buttered toast, and cocoa for breakfast, and were ready for a day at the library. Maybe today they would find the rest of the sword. The wind still howled, but the rain had stopped.

“Do you think the Coast Guard will bring in the two fishermen today?” Miguel asked in a low tone, barely above a whisper. His father was always in his thoughts.

Henry glanced out the window at the gray sky and the swaying tree branches. “Not today, Miguel. The wind isn’t as bad as yesterday, but the ocean waves are too high. I’m sure, though, your father will be found safe and sound in a day or two.”

Miguel met Henry’s eyes and his voice was husky. “I wish I were as certain as you that he’s alive. I pray you’re right!”

Benny piped up, changing the subject. “That was a good breakfast.” He jumped up and ran to the door. “I want to see how windy it is.”

“Careful you’re not blown over,” Henry teased.

Benny tried to open the door, but it wouldn’t budge. He leaned against it with his shoulder and shoved as hard as he could. The door was stuck fast!

“Henry,” Benny panted. “The door won’t open!”

Henry laughed. “The wind is strong, Benny, but I don’t think it’s that strong.” He turned the handle and pushed against the door, but Henry couldn’t open it, either. He pushed three times, but the door remained shut.

“Let’s all try,” Jessie suggested. All five put their shoulders to the door, but it remained closed.

Puzzled, Henry shook his head. “Maybe something has blown in front of the door and jammed it shut.”

“I don’t think so,” Jessie said. Worry lines creased her forehead.

“I need to check the door from the outside,” Henry said, “but I have a problem.” He stared at the narrow windows. “The windows are too small. I can’t squeeze through.”

“I could!” Benny shouted. “Let me! Let me!”

Henry nodded. “Okay, Benny, you’re the only one small enough to crawl through.”

Henry opened a window and lifted Benny up. Benny wiggled through the narrow opening and dropped to the ground.

Benny hurried around the cabin to the front door.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.