In the afternoon the children went to the movies with Grandfather. And for a while they forgot about the zoo. But afterward, as they ate banana splits, Benny said, “Could we stop at the zoo on the way home, Grandfather?”
Surprised, Grandfather Alden said, “You spent all morning at the zoo.”
“We want to see if the animals are all right,” Jessie said. “When we left, Edward was still checking some of them that had suffered under the wrong temperature.”
“Of course, we’ll stop,” Grandfather said with understanding. “I’m sure all the animals survived, but we can pick up Edward.”
“Great!” Henry said. “Lately Edward looks so worn out from everything that’s happened.”
“It’s a good thing we’re here so we can help him,” Violet said softly, finishing the last of her ice cream.
Mr. Alden studied his two granddaughters, proud of them. And how pretty they looked. Violet in her blue denim jacket and skirt, her hair tied with lavender ribbons, and Jessie in yellow flowered shorts and top.
He was proud of his grandsons, too. Handsome boys. Henry resembled him, tall and straight. Benny had an impish twinkle in his dark eyes.
Yes, he was a lucky man to have found his four loving grandchildren. To think that not too long ago they had hidden from him in an old boxcar, believing that he was a mean man who wanted to hurt them. If Violet hadn’t become ill, he might never have found them. It was the doctor, a friend of his, who had led him to them. Yes, indeed, he was truly lucky. Never had he known children that were so ready to help, and not only him, but others as well.
Benny leaned forward. “Are we going, Grandfather?”
“Wh-what?” Grandfather stammered, coming back from his memories. “Oh, yes, yes.” Smiling, he stood, paid the bill, and they left for the zoo.
They arrived at closing time as people were streaming out the front gates.
Jessie tugged at Henry’s sleeve. “Isn’t that Mac Thatcher from the bookstore?” she whispered, as a tall thin man went by.
Henry saw Thatcher walking down the sidewalk to a black car and unlocking it.
“That’s him,” Henry said firmly. “He doesn’t look like the type who comes to the zoo for enjoyment!”
“There’s the bad man from the bookstore,” Benny shouted, pointing at the black car pulling away from the curb.
“That’s him,” Violet agreed. “What do you suppose he was doing here?”
“Maybe he was making the birds cold and the bears hot,” Benny stated.
Thoughtfully, Jessie shook her head. “No, Benny, the temperature changes happened early this morning.”
Pat Kramer hurried forward as the gates clanged shut. “I’m glad you’re here,” she said. Her usual smiling face was sober.
Alarmed, Violet stared at Pat. “Is something wrong?” she asked in a shaky voice.
“Yes,” Pat said shortly. “Come with me and you can judge for yourself.” She headed for Edward’s office.
Without a word the children followed her. Grandfather, grim-faced, walked so fast that it was hard to keep up with him.
In the zoo office they were astonished to see Edward sitting slumped in his chair, his head in his hands.
“What is it?” Mr. Alden asked.
Edward lifted his head and opened a drawer in a file cabinet. It was empty. “Someone came into the office in plain daylight and stole all the animals’ papers.”
“How could that happen?” Henry asked.
“Pat and I were busy checking the animals. I didn’t get to the office until late this afternoon.” He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “The thief cleaned me out.”
“What do the papers say?” Benny asked.
“Information about the animals,” Edward answered. “Special diets are recorded, when they had their vaccinations, when they arrived at the zoo, and where they came from, facts I need to know.”
Pat bit her underlip. “This is the worst prank yet!”
“I’d call it more than a prank!” Grandfather exclaimed. “It’s vicious and damaging to the animals.”
Edward shot his old friend a grateful glance. “You’re right, James. I’ll have to start over, recording all that information. I can remember a few things, but only a few.”
“Between the two of us,” Pat said, “we’ll manage.”
Papers were scattered on the floor, as if the robber had made a quick exit. The saddest sight, though, was the empty file drawers.
“Don’t you think you should call the police now?” Henry asked.
Edward hesitated before replying. “I’d like to, but if I do, I know the zoo will close down. This is just the ammunition Helen Brooks is looking for!”
“Perhaps the police will be able to solve the case before Helen Brooks can find out,” Jessie said, sitting down.
“Believe me, Jessie,” Edward said, “I want to bring the thief to justice, but I can’t risk having my zoo closed down.”
That night the children had planned a special dinner, and they were glad they had. Edward needed something to take his mind off the animals.
As soon as they got home they began preparing meat loaf, broccoli with cheese, mashed potatoes, and apple salad, plus lemon cake for dessert.
As the meat loaf baked, the children fixed the rest of the dinner and discussed the case.
“We didn’t see Helen Brooks today,”Violet said. “Maybe she can’t find enough information to bring before the town council. Maybe she’s given up.”
“Don’t we wish,” Jessie said, chopping up the apples and celery. “But I think Helen Brooks is the kind of woman who, once an idea pops into her head, won’t let go.”
Benny agreed. “She never smiles. I know she’s thinking of ways she can get rid of the animals!”
Henry peeled potatoes and dropped them into boiling water. He frowned. “Just because Helen Brooks doesn’t smile doesn’t mean she’d stoop to such low tricks to close the zoo.”
Benny set the table in the dining room. Returning, he reported, “Edward and Grandfather are playing chess again.”
“Good,” Jessie said. “The game will take Edward’s mind off his problems.” She opened the oven and was pleased to see the meat loaf was nicely browned. Taking it out, she set it on a platter.
Violet stuck a fork in the boiling broccoli and decided it was cooked just enough. She put it in a bowl and poured the cheese sauce over it.
Henry put the mashed potatoes in a bowl while Benny poured the milk.
“I think,” Jessie said, “that Mac Thatcher is acting very suspicious lately. We’ve seen him at the zoo, and he’s curious about what’s going on there. Why is he so interested?”
“You’ve got a point, Jessie,” Henry said, dishing up the mashed potatoes. “Mac’s a sourpuss all right, but he really hasn’t any reason to put the zoo out of business.”
“No,” Jessie agreed, slicing the meat loaf. “He doesn’t have as much reason as Pat. Remember what she said about buying the zoo?”
Violet placed the steaming broccoli on the table. “I really don’t think Pat meant that.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Wanting to buy the zoo was just a passing remark.”
Henry sprinkled dressing over the apples and celery. “We all like Pat,” he said, “but you can’t deny that she’s had the best opportunity to carry out everything that’s taken place. After all, she works at the zoo.”
Benny’s mouth formed a big O. “So does David.”
“I don’t think it could be David,” Violet said with a smile. “He’s so sweet, and you can tell he truly loves the animals.”
“Dinner is ready!” Jessie called.
Grandfather and Edward seated themselves at the table. Edward rubbed his hands together when he saw the wonderful dinner the children had prepared.
Jessie, sitting next to Grandfather, thought of the suspects. Each person they’d talked about had some reason to see the zoo shut down, but the Aldens didn’t have any proof. Whoever the guilty one was, it seemed that he or she was going to get away with being cruel to innocent animals and maybe, closing a wonderful zoo. |