encyclopedia brown finds the clues · bet that the tramp hopped a ride on a freight train. he’s...
TRANSCRIPT
TableofContentsTitlePage
CopyrightPage
TheCaseoftheMysteriousTramp
TheCaseoftheRubberPillow
TheCaseofBugs’sKidnapping
TheCaseoftheBoyBullfighter
TheCaseoftheDiviningRod
TheCaseoftheBitterDrink
TheCaseoftheTelltalePaint
TheCaseoftheStolenDiamonds
TheCaseoftheMissingStatue
TheCaseoftheHouseofCards
BugsMeanyispuretrouble!“Troublehasjustarrived,”whisperedSally.
Apolicecardrewupby theBrownDetectiveAgency.OutsteppedBugs,hismother,andOfficerCarlson.
“The Meanys have brought a serious charge against you,” Officer Carlson said toEncyclopedia.
“Thislittledo-gooderherewaspartofthegangthatkidnappedme!”saidBugs.
“Tellhimwhatyouoverheard,”saidMrs.Meany.
“IheardthekidnapperssayEncyclopediaBrownwasgoingtopickupthemoney,”saidBugs.
“I don’t knowwhat he’s talking about,” saidEncyclopedia. “Whatkidnappers?Whatmoney?”
“Don’tplaydumb,”sneeredBugs.Iheardthekidnapperssayhewastogetonehundreddollarsforpickinguptheransommoney.”
“That’salie!”saidEncyclopedia.
OfficerCarlsonsaidtoEncyclopedia,“Isthissomekindofprank?”
“Yes,sir,”answeredEncyclopedia.“Itis.”
ReadalltheEncyclopediaBrownBooksNo.1:EncyclopediaBrown,BoyDetective
No.2:EncyclopediaBrownandtheCaseoftheSecretPitch
No.3:EncyclopediaBrownFindstheClues
No.4:EncyclopediaBrownGetsHisMan
No.5:EncyclopediaBrownSolvesThemAll
No.6:EncyclopediaBrownKeepsthePeace
No.7:EncyclopediaBrownSavestheDay
No.8:EncyclopediaBrownTracksThemDown
No.9:EncyclopediaBrownShowstheWay
No.10:EncyclopediaBrownTakestheCase
No.11:EncyclopediaBrownLendsaHand
No.12:EncyclopediaBrownandtheCaseoftheDeadEagles
No.13:EncyclopediaBrownandtheCaseoftheMidnightVisitor
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RegisteredOffices:PenguinBooksLtd,80Strand,LondonWC2R0RL,EnglandFirstpublishedintheUnitedStatesofAmericabyDuttonChildren’sBooks,
adivisionofPenguinYoungReadersGroup,1995PublishedbyPuffinBooks,adivisionofPenguinYoungReadersGroup,2007
Copyright©DonaldJ.Sobol,1966(MemberoftheAuthorsLeagueofAmerica,Inc.)
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Thepublisherdoesnothaveanycontroloveranddoesnotassumeanyresponsibilityforauthororthird-partyWebsitesortheircontent.
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TheCaseoftheMysteriousTrampHisheadbent lowover thehandlebarsof his bike,EncyclopediaBrown rounded the
comerofMapleAvenuelikehigh-speedsandpaper.
Itwasthreeminutesbeforesixo’clockofasummerevening.Withabitofluckandafollowingwind,Encyclopediahopedtomakeithomeontimefordinner.
Suddenlysomeonecalledhisname.
“Leroy!LeroyBrown!”
Rightoffheknewithadtobeateachercalling.OnlyteachersandhismotherandfathercalledhimLeroy.
EveryoneelseinthetownofIdavillecalledhimEncyclopedia.
Hedidn’tlookmuchlikeanencyclopedia,whichisasetofbooksfilledwithallkindsoffacts.Orevenlikeonebook.
PeoplecalledhimEncyclopediabecausehehadreadmorebooksthanabathtubfullofprofessors.Andheneverforgotanythingheread.
“Leroy!Leroy!”
It was Mrs. Worth, his old fourth-grade teacher. She was standing beside her car,lookingverysad.
“Ican’tgetitgoing,”shesaid.“Canyouhelpme?”
“I’lltry,”saidEncyclopedia.Heleanedhisbikeagainstatreeandraisedthehood.
“Startheragain,please,Mrs.Worth,”hesaid.
Themotorcoughedandsputteredout.
“The trouble must be in the carburetor,” said Encyclopedia, beginning to disappearunderthehood.
Heliftedofftheairfilter.Nowhecouldreachthebutterflyvalveinthecarburetor.Hepokeditopenwithhisfinger.
ThemotorroaredtolifewhenMrs.Worthagaintriedtostartit.
Mrs.Worthwasdelighted.WhenEncyclopediareturnedtoview,shethankedhimoverandoveragain.
“Golly,itwasn’tanything,”saidEncyclopedia.“Justastuckvalve.”
HesmiledasMrs.Worthdroveoff—tillhelookedathiswatch.Itgavehimunsmilingnews.Itwaspastsixo’clock,theBrown’sdinnerhour.He’dcatchitforbeinglate!
Hismotherputdownapotofboiledcabbagetostareathim.DirtandgreasefromMrs.Worth’smotorcoatedhimfromearstosneakers.
“Wherehaveyoubeen?”sheasked,kissingtheonecleanspotonhischeek.
“Fishing,”answeredEncyclopedia.
“Inanoilwell?”
“Thewaterwas so dirty,”Encyclopedia said quickly, “the goldfish looked like blackbass.”
He didn’t mention Mrs. Worth’s motor. He seldom spoke to anyone, not even hisparents,aboutthehelphegaveothers.Andheneverspokeaboutthehelphegavegrown-ups.
HismotherlookedoutatRoverAvenuethroughthekitchenwindow.Oddly,shehadn’tscoldedhimforbeinglate.
“Your father knows we are having corned beef and cabbage tonight,” she said in aworriedvoice.“Whatcouldbekeepinghim?”
“Dad wouldn’t miss his favorite dish without a good reason,” said Encyclopedia.“Maybehe’schasingadangerouscrookorsomething.”
Mrs.Brownlookedevenmoreworried.
Encyclopediatriedagain.“Don’tworry,Mom,”hesaid.“Dadisthebestpoliceofficerinthestate.He’llbehomesoon.”
Encyclopediawas right.Ashewaswashing thebackofhisneck,heheardhis fatherclosethegaragedoor.
Amoment laterMr. Brown entered the house. Hewas a big, broad-shoulderedmandressedinapolicechief’suniform.
HisuniformwastheenvyofeverylawmanintheUnitedStates.AlthoughIdavillewaslikemanyotherAmericantowns,itspoliceforcewasunlikeanyother.
Formorethanayear,neitherchildnorgrown-uphadgotawaywithbreakingalaw.
Hardenedcriminalshadpassedtheword:“StayclearofIdaville.”
ThiswaspartlybecausetheIdavillepolicemenwerewelltrained,smart,andbrave.ButmostlyitwasbecauseChiefBrownhadEncyclopediaatthedinnertable.
ChiefBrownneverwhisperedawordofhowEncyclopediahelpedhim.Afterall,whowouldbelievethetruth?
Whowouldbelievethatafifth-gradersolveddifficultcaseswhileeatingdinnerintheBrowns’redbrickhouseonRoverAvenue?
Naturally,EncyclopedianeverletoutthathewasthemastermindbehindIdaville’swaroncrime.
So the name Leroy Brown was missing from the honor roll of the world’s greatdetectives.
“I’msorrytobelate,dear,”saidChiefBrownashesatdowntoeat.“Aterriblethinghappenedthisafternoon.”
Afterhehadsaidgrace,heraisedhisheadandlookedatEncyclopedia.“Mr.Clancy,theplumber,wasbeatenandrobbed.”
“Washebadlyhurt?”askedMrs.Brown.
“He’sinSt.Mark’sHospital,”ChiefBrownsaid.“Thedoctorssayhe’llbeallright.I’mafraidwe’llnevercatchthemanwhoattackedhim.”
“Whynot,Dad?”askedEncyclopedia.“Didn’tanyoneseewhathappened?”
“JohnMorgansaweverything,”saidChiefBrown.“He’sMr.Clancy’shelper.HewassittinginthetruckwhenatrampattackedMr.Clancy.”
ChiefBrownunbuttonedhisbreastpocketanddrewouthisnotebook.“IwrotedowneverythingJohnMorgantoldme.I’llreadittoyou.”
Encyclopedia closed his eyes. He always closed his eyes when he did his heavythinkingonacase.
HisfatherbegantoreadwhatJohnMorganhadtoldhimaboutthebeatingandtheft.
“ClancywasdrivingthetruckandIwassittingbesidehim.WehadturnedontothedirtroadneartheBensonfarmwhenthemotoroverheated.Clancystopped,walkedaroundtothefrontofthetruck,andliftedthehood.Ashetookofftheradiatorcap,atrampjumpedoutofthewoods.ThetrampstruckClancyontheheadwithapieceofpipe.
“Clancyfellovertheradiatorandsliddownthefrontofthetruck.I leapedoutofthetruck,butthetrampwasalreadyracingintothewoods.HecarriedthepipeandClancy’swallet.IlethimgoinordertogetClancytothehospitalrightaway.”
ChiefBrownfinishedreadingandclosedhisnotebook.
Encyclopedia opened his eyes.He asked but one question: “DidMr.Clancy have anunusuallylargeamountofmoneyinhiswallet?”
Hisfatherlookedstartled.
“Why,yes,”heanswered.“ItsohappenedthatMr.Clancyhadtwohundreddollarsinhiswallet.Hehad justbeenpaid forworkonanewapartmenthouse.Whatmadeyouthinkhewascarryingalotofmoney?”
JohnMorganknockedhimout.
“Hehadtobe,”saidEncyclopedia.“Nowyoushouldhavenotroublefindingthemanwhostruckandrobbedhim.”
“Notrouble?”saidChiefBrown.“Thewoodscomeoutontherailroadtracks.It’sasure
betthatthetramphoppedarideonafreighttrain.He’sprobablyinGeorgiabynow.”
“You’llfindhimwhereJohnMorganlives—andthetwohundreddollarsbesides,”saidEncyclopedia.
“DoyouthinkJohnMorganhelpedthetramprobMr.Clancy?”askedMrs.Brown.
“No,”answeredEncyclopedia.
“Well,whatdoyouthink?”askedChiefBrown.
“I think thatwhenMr.Clancy stopped the truck in thewoods, JohnMorgan sawhischance,” answered Encyclopedia. “While Mr. Clancy was checking the radiator, JohnMorgan sneaked from the truck, knocked him out, and stole his wallet with the twohundreddollars.”
“Whataboutthetramp?”askedChiefBrown.
“Thereneverwasatramp,Dad,”saidEncyclopedia.“JohnMorganmadehimup.JohnMorganrobbedMr.Clancybyhimselfandthendrovehimtothehospital.”
ChiefBrown rubbedhis chin thoughtfully. “That couldbewhat reallyhappened,”hesaid.“ButIcan’tproveit.”
“Theproofisdowninblackandwhite,”saidEncyclopedia.“JustreadoverwhatJohnMorgantoldyou.Hegiveshimselfaway!”
HOWDIDJOHNMORGANGIVEHIMSELFAWAY?
(Pleaseseesolutionssection)
TheCaseoftheRubberPillowDuring the summer Encyclopedia ran a detective agency for children of the
neighborhood.Heopenedhisofficeeverymorningafterhisfatherleftforwork.
Encyclopediaalwayswaitedtillhisfatherdroveoff.Hehadnochoice.Hisofficewasinthegarage.
Afterhisfatherleft,hehungouthissign:
LateinthemorningDannyLandishurriedintotheBrownDetectiveAgency.HelaidaquarteronthegasolinecanbesideEncyclopedia.
“Iwantyoutofindmypillow,”saidDanny.“It’smissing.”
“I’veseenamatchboxandaboardwalk,butI’veneverhadtosolveapillowcase,”saidEncyclopediathoughtfully.
“My pillow doesn’t have a case,” saidDanny. “It’smade of rubber. I blow it up oncampingtrips.”
“Hmm,”saidEncyclopedia.“Itgaveyoutheair.When?”
“Halfanhourago,”saidDanny.“IthinkBugsMeanystoleit.”
“Bugs?”ImmediatelyEncyclopediabecameserious.
Bugs Meany was the leader of the Tigers, a gang of older boys who caused moretroublethanwoodpeckersaroundaMaypole.
“I’lltakethecase,”saidEncyclopedia.“Let’shavethefacts.
“Early thismorning,”saidDanny,“DadandIwerepainting thewoodon thefrontof
our house—the three front steps, the porch railing and posts, and the front door. Wepaintedeverythingwhite.”
“Wherewastherubberpillow?”askedEncyclopedia.
“It was hanging on the clothesline at the side of the house,” said Danny. “After wefinishedpainting,Dadwent in theback to clean thebrushes. I sawBugs runningawayfromtheclothesline.Hewascarryingthepillow.”
“Didyourfatherseehim,too?”
“No,worseluck,”saidDanny.“ItwillbemywordagainstBugs’s.”
Encyclopediaclosedhiseyes.Forseveralminuteshedidsomedeepthinking.
Thenhesaid,“We’vegottotrapBugs.We’vegottocatchhiminalie!”
“Itwon’tbeeasy,”saidDanny.“He’ssmartenoughtobetheleaderoftheTigers.”
“That’s not saying much,” replied Encyclopedia. “Why, half of them have been leftback so often they ought to start a football team. They could call themselves the LeftHalfbacks.Comeon.”
ThetwoboysrodetheirbikestotheTigers’clubhouse,anunusedtoolshedbehindMr.Sweeny’sAutoBodyShop.
Bugswasalone.Hewaspracticingdrawingacesfromthebottomofadeckofcards.
“Scram,”hesaid.
“Iwillwhenyoureturnmyclient’spillow,”saidEncyclopedia.
“Youstolemyrubberpillowfromtheclotheslineatmyhousehalfanhourago,”saidDanny.
“Rubberpillow?Man,hasthiskid’smouthheardfromhisbrainlately?”growledBugs.“I’veneverbeennearhishouseinmylife.”
“Whydon’t you tell that toDanny’s father?” saidEncyclopedia. “Hewasbehind thehouse.Hemusthaveseenyoustealthepillow.”
Bugsnearlyswallowed thebladeofgrasshewaschewing.Herecoveredhimselfandsaid,“I’vebeenrighthereallmorning.”
“Thenyouwouldn’tmindgoingwithustoDanny’shouse,”saidEncyclopedia.“You’regoingtohavetospeakwithhisfathersoonerorlater.”
“W-well,ahh,okay,”mumbledBugs.“Butyouleadtheway.Remember,Idon’tevenknowwherehelives.”
Outside,Dannywhispered, “My fatherwentoff fishing.Mymother is atGrandma’s.There’snobodyathome.”
“Don’tworry,”saidEncyclopedia.“Bugsisfartoococky.He’llmakeamistake.”
Thethreeboysrodeover toDanny’shouse.Itwasagreenstuccohousewithawhite
woodporch,door,andfrontsteps.
“Goupandringthedoorbell,”EncyclopediadaredBugs.
Bugs kicked down the stand of his bike.He looked atDanny’s house.He looked atDanny.Heseemedtobegettingupcourage.
Suddenlytheolderboymadeuphismind.
“Watchmystyle,”hesaid.
Heranacrossthelawnandleapedoverthethreewhitewoodsteps.Hisheelstrucktheslateflooroftheporch.Heskiddedbutrightedhimselfwithouthavingtograbtherailing.HelookedbackatDannyandEncyclopediaandgrinnedcockily.
Whenhegotnoanswertothedoorbell,Bugswalkedasteptothewindowthatfacedontotheporch.Herappedontheglass.
“There’snobodyhome,”heyelled toEncyclopedia.He left theporch, again jumpingoverthethreesteps.
“Yourplantotraphimdidn’twork,”saidDanny.
“Oh,yesitdid!”correctedEncyclopedia.
HewenttoBugsandspokeintothebiggerboy’sleftear.
Bugs listened. His fists clenched and tightened. Pea green stars of anger seemed toshootouthisears.Low,fightingsoundsrumbledinhisthroat.
Buthesaid,“Awh….”
Heleapedoverthethreewhitewoodsteps.
Hegotonhisbike,atameTiger.FiveminuteslaterhewasbackwithDanny’srubberpillow.
“Whatdidyousaytohim?”askedDanny,afterBugshadriddenoff.
“Notverymuch.Isimplypointedouthismistake,”saidtheboydetective,andadded,“Inthiscase,actionsspokelouderthanwords.”
WHATWASBUGS’SMISTAKE?
(Pleaseseesolutionssection)
TheCaseofBugs’sKidnappingBugsMeanywouldhavelikedtogetevenwithEncyclopediabypunchinghiminthe
eyefourorfivetimes.
Buthedidn’tdare—fortworeasons.
Thefirstreasonwasthequickleftfistofpretty,ten-year-oldSallyKimball.ThesecondreasonwasSally’sright.Itwasevenquickerthanherleft.
OnedaySallyhadseenBugsbullyingaCubScout.“Stopit!”shehadcried,hoppingoffherbike.
“Gopowderyournose,”Bugshadjeered.
Zam!wentSally’sright.
Wham!wentBugsagainsttheground.Hebouncedup,redasaJerseyapple.
Sally’srightsandleftswereablur—zing!zap!zam!Bugswassomethingofablur,too.Hewentupanddownlikeayo-yo-wham!whap!whomp!
Finally,Sallydustedhischinwithanuppercutandlefthimpantingonhisback.
Thenews raced through the neighborhood.Agirl had laid out big, badBugsMeanyflatterthanasmokedherring.
The next day Encyclopedia invited the new champion to join the Brown DetectiveAgency as a junior partner. Sally accepted on the spot, and Encyclopedia stoppedworryingaboutBugsMeany’smuscles.
ButBugsdidn’tstopplotting.HejustplottedfartherbehindEncyclopedia’sback,andharder.
“Lookoutforhim,”warnedSally.“He’slikeasetoffalseteeth—alwaystryingtogeteven.”
“I sortofhopehekeeps trying,”saidEncyclopedia.“Businesswould falloffwithoutBugscausingtrouble.”
“Troublehasjustarrived,”whisperedSally.
Apolicecardrewupby theBrownDetectiveAgency.OutsteppedBugs,hismother,andOfficerCarlson.
“The Meanys have brought a serious charge against you,” Officer Carlson said toEncyclopedia.
“Thislittledo-gooderherewaspartofthegangthatkidnappedme!”saidBugs.
EncyclopediaandSallystaredateachother.
“Tellhimwhatyouoverheard,dear,”saidMrs.Meany.
“IheardthekidnapperssayEncyclopediaBrownwasgoingtopickupthemoney,”saidBugs.
“I don’t knowwhat he’s talking about,” saidEncyclopedia. “Whatkidnappers?Whatmoney?”
“Don’tplaydumb,”sneeredBugs.“Theransommoney.”
“Startfromthebeginning,”OfficerCarlsonsaidtoBugs.
“Aboutfiveo’clockyesterdayafternoon,”beganBugs,“Iwaswalkinghomefromtheclubhouse.
Bugsputonabravelookandcontinued.
Iwasmindingmyownbusinesswhensomebodyhitmeonthehead.”
“Hemighthavebeenkilled!”saidMrs.Meany.
Bugsputonabravelookandcontinued.
“WhenIwokeup,Iwaslyinginadarkroomwithoutlightsorwindows.”
“Couldyouhearanything?”askedOfficerCarlson.
“Yeah,” said Bugs. “I heard the kidnappers talking in the next room. They hadtelephonedmymother.Shehadagreedtopayonethousanddollarsransommoneyformysafereturn.”
Mrs.Meanybrokein.“Aroundsixo‘clocklastnightIgotatelephonecall.Thevoiceattheotherendsaidtobringonethousanddollarstotheoldrailroadstationatnineo’clockthatverynight.Iwasnottocallthepolice.Aboywouldmeetmeandtakethemoney.”
“That boy was Encyclopedia Brown, the pride of Idaville!” said Bugs. “I heard thekidnapperssayhewastogetonehundreddollarsforpickinguptheransommoney.”
“That’salie!”saidEncyclopedia.
“Quietdown,”saidOfficerCarlson.“You’llhaveyourturn.Goon,Bugs.”
“When Encyclopedia didn’t show up with the money,” said Bugs, “the kidnappersfiguredhe’dkeptitallforhimself.Theygotangriereveryminute.”
“I brought as much money as I could get together on such short notice to the oldrailroadstation,”saidMrs.Meany.“Nobodymetme.”
“IguessourlittleMr.Smartylosthisnerveatthelastminute,”saidBugs.“ButIdidn’tlosemine.Iknewthekidnappersmightkillme,theyweresoangry.Ilookedforawaytobreakout.”
“Mypoorbaby,”saidMrs.Meany.
Bugsmadeafaceandwenton.
“I felt around the dark roomwhere the kidnappers had putme,” he said. “I found acrowbar.IthoughtI’dtakethehingesoffthelockeddoor,butnoluck.Thehingeswereontheothersideofthedoor.”
“Howterrible!”sobbedMrs.Meany.
“ForPete’ssake,Ma,letmefinish!”exclaimedBugs.
Helickedhislipsandsaid,“Idecidedtobreakthelockandfightmywayout.BeforeIcouldstart,Iheardthekidnapperscomingtowardthedoor.Iplannedtohit thefirstonewhocameintotheroomwiththecrowbar,takehisgun,andshootmywaytofreedom.”
Bugs drew a deep breath. “I never swung the crowbar. The door was unlocked andpushedopenhard. Itswunginto theroom,knockingmedown.I lookedup.Bythehalllight,Isawamanpointingagunatme.”
Mrs.Meanygaspedandwrungherhands.
“Itlookedlikemynumberwasup,”saidBugs,rollinghiseyestoheaven.“Instead,thekidnappersdrovemetotheplacewherethey’dkidnappedmeandletmego.”
Mrs.Meanymutteredaboutamiracle.
OfficerCarlsonsaidtoEncyclopedia,“Isthissomekindofprank?”
“Yes,sir,”answeredEncyclopedia.“Itis.”
Sallycoveredhermouth,stunned.
“ItwasprobablyoneoftheTigerswhotelephonedMrs.MeanytosayBugshadbeenkidnapped,”explainedEncyclopedia.“Therestisallmadeup.”
“I’mnoliar!”shoutedBugs.“Iheardthekidnapperssayyouwerehiredtopickuptheransom money. You never showed up at the old railroad station. You got scared. Mymotherisright—I’mluckytobealive!”
“I wasn’t part of the kidnap gang,” said Encyclopedia, “because there was nokidnapping.Exceptforoneslip,youmighthavemadeeveryonebelieveyou,Bugs.”
“
WHATWASBUGS’SSLIP?
(Pleaseseesolutionssection)
TheCaseoftheBoyBullfighterCharlieStewart,whoownedthebesttoothcollectioninIdaville,slippedintotheBrown
DetectiveAgency.Heworebrightredpantsandafunnylook.
Encyclopedia stared at his pal’s red pants. “Who’s chasing you? A lovesick fireengine?”
“How’syourSpanish?”askedCharlie.
“Awful. Even Spanish moss gives me trouble,” said Encyclopedia. “What’s theproblem?”
“My toothcollectionhasbeen stolen, including the floweredcookie jar I keep it in,”saidCharlie.“AndIgotbittensomethingfierce.”
“Onethingatatime,”saidEncyclopedia.“Ithoughtyoucouldreachintothatcookiejarandpulloutatoothwithoutgettingnipped,kindoflikeasnaketrainer.”
“Iwasn’tbitteninthecookiejar,”saidCharlie,turningaround.“Iwasbittenhere.”
Theseatofhisredpantswasmissing.
“The teeth that bit me belong to a dog—a big, black dog,” said Charlie. “And heunderstandsonlySpanish.”
“Idon’tdowellwithdogsthatunderstandonlyEnglish,”saidEncyclopedia.
“Youwon’thavetotalktothedog.Justgetbackmytoothcollection,”wailedCharlie.
He slapped twenty-five cents on the gasoline can beside Encyclopedia. “And whileyou’reatit,findtheseatofmypants!”
“Okay,butstartattheotherend,”saidEncyclopedia.
“You know Miguel Sebastian?” began Charlie. “He’s eleven and lives on HardieeStreet.HisfathertossestheSpanishomeletsatthecafeteria.”
“MakesmyAdam’sapplejumpjusttothinkaboutthem,”saidEncyclopedia,nodding.
“HalfanhouragoIwasgoingintoMiguel’sbackyardwithmytoothcollection,”wentonCharlie.“He’sputtingonashowtoday.”
“Youtriedtoslipinfree?”
“No,I thoughtifIgottherebeforeanyoneelse,IcouldgiveMiguelagopher’stoothinsteadofthetencentsadmissioncharge.”
“WhatdidMiguelsay?”
“Something inSpanish, andzoom!Hisbig,blackdogcaughtmeby the seat.Miguelwasverypolite.Whileheaskedmeifhecoulddoanything,hetookthecookiejarwiththeteeth.Soitwouldn’tbreak,hesaid.”
“Youwerefightingallthetime?”
“Iwasscreamingbloodymurderandrunninginplace,”saidCharlie.“Youshouldseethatdog.”
“Hmm,”saidEncyclopedia.“Thiscasecallsforextraequipment.”
He filled a paper cup with chocolate drops left over from his mother’s card party.Charlieborrowedapairofpants,andthetwoboyswenttoseeMiguel’sshow.
Charliepaidtheadmissions,andtheyfoundseatsonthegrassjustintime.Miguelwasabouttostart.
Hewas supposed to be a bullfighter, andhis big, blackdogwas the bull. For horns,Miguelhadtiedtwoknivestothedog’shead.Toprovetheirsharpness,heslicedabananaoneachknife.
Thegirls in theaudiencesquealed in fright.EncyclopediasawSally in the front row.“Sheoughttobemindingthedetectiveagency,”hethoughtdarkly.
Miguelshookaredblanket.Likearealbullfighterwithacape,hebegantoplaythebigdog.Thedoghadbeentrainedtochargelikeabull.Itrushedtheredblanket,teethbaredandknivesflashing.Miguelspunaside.
“Hespinsbetterthanadime-storetop,”thoughtEncyclopedia.“Buthe’scrazy!Thoseknivescouldhurt.”
Aftertenortwelvepasses,Miguelthrewawaytheblankethehadbeenusing.Hetookfromhispocketasmallpieceofredcloth.
Miguelbegantoplaythebigdog.
Charlie muttered something that wasn’t very nice. Encyclopedia could hardly blamehim.
ThesmallpieceofclothwastheseatofCharlie’sredpants!
Miguelusedthepieceofpantsasacape.Becauseitwassmallerthantheblanket,theknivespasseddangerouslyclosetotheboyeachtimethe“bull”charged.
AftereverychargeMiguelstampedhisfoot,smiledatSally,andshoutedolesabovethehappyscreamsofthegirls.
AtlastMiguelfinishedtheactwithabowandranintothegarage.Theshowwasover.
Whenmostoftheaudiencehadleft,EncyclopediaandCharliestartedtowardMiguel.TheherooftheafternoonstoodtalkingwithSally.Thebig,blackdogsatbetweenthem.
Encyclopedia and Charlie slowed till they were traveling by inches. When Miguelglancedtheotherway,Encyclopediatossedthedogachocolatedrop.
Hefedthedogthreemorechocolatedropsbeforeheaccusedtheboybullfighter.
“YoustoleCharlie’sfloweredcookiejarwithhisentiretoothcollection!”
“Ididnosuchthing,”saidMiguel,calmlylookingdownhisnoseattheyoungerboys.
Thedoggrowled.Encyclopediaeyed thebig teethanddroppedmorecandies tohelptheirfriendshipalong.
“ThisafternoonyougaveyourdoganorderinSpanish.ItwastoattackCharlie,”saidEncyclopedia.
“While that monster was hanging onto the seat of my pants, you took my toothcollection,”saidCharlie.
“Igavenosuchorder!”saidMiguel.“MydogdidattackCharlie,allright.Itistrainedasabulltogoafteranythingred,likeCharlie’spants.IpulledthedogoffbeforeCharliewashurt.Iwasn’teventhanked!”
“You’relying!”saidEncyclopedia.
“HowdareyousayMigueldidsuchalowthing,”saidSally.“Yououghttobeashamed.Miguelisnothief.He’sbraveandtrue!”
“Thedogdidn’tattackCharliebecauseof theredpants,”saidEncyclopedia.“Miguelgavetheorder.”
“Proveit,”saidSally.
“That’seasy,”repliedEncyclopedia.
WHATWASTHEPROOF?
(Pleaseseesolutionssection)
TheCaseoftheDiviningRodSallyjumpedoffherbikeinfrontoftheBrownDetectiveAgency.
“Howmuchmoneydowehaveinthetreasury?”shecalled.
Encyclopediatooktheshoeboxfromitshidingplacebehindanoldtire.Hecountedthemoneyinit.
“Threedollarsandeighteencents,”hesaid.“It’stimewewenttothebank.”
“It’stimewewenttothebeach,”correctedSally.“Wecanmakeamillionatthebeach.”
“Amillionwhat?Footprints?”
“Takeout themoneyandcomeon!”saidSally.“Wecanbuyadiviningrodfor threedollars.Wecanmakeamilliondollarswithit.Maybeevenmore!”
TheideaofmakingamilliondollarshadcrossedthemindofEncyclopediabefore.Butheneverthoughtofmakingmorethanamillion.
“Adiviningrod?”hemumbled.“Say,isn’tthatatwigofhazelwoodthat’susedtofindundergroundwater?”
“Thisdiviningroddoesn’tfindwater,”saidSally.“Itfindsgold.”
Encyclopedia shoved three dollars into his pocket.He reached for his bike. “Tellmemore,”hesaid.
Sallyexplainedhoweasyitwouldbetogetrichastheyrodetowardthebeach.
“AceKurashissellingthediviningrodsforthreedollarsapiece,”shebegan.
“AceKurash…?”Encyclopediacouldn’tplacethename.
“LastweekAce’s fatherbrought twentyrodsbackfromthe islands,”continuedSally.“Thefirsttimeout,Acefoundagoldcoin.It’sworthtendollars!”
AceKurash—suddenlyEncyclopediaplacedhim.
Ace was seventeen. His father had a charter boat. Ace worked on it as a mateoccasionally. Mostly he worked at the Children’s Farm for stealing automobiles ortelevisionsets.
EncyclopediaandSallyreachedthebeachandparkedtheirbikes.AroundfiftyboysandgirlswerestandingneartheoldlighthouseonPirates’Point.
Encyclopedia spied some of his gang among the crowd—Charlie Stewart, Billy andJodyTurner,HerbStein,andPinkyPlummer.BugsMeanyandhisTigerswerethere,too.
Inthecenterofthechildrenwerethreetallboysintheirlateteens.Onecarriedabasketfilledwithdiviningrods.Thesecondcarriedashovel.ThethirdwasAceKurash.
“AlotofyouthinkI’mtryingtocheatyou,”saidAce.“ButI’lltellyouthis.LastweekItookthisdiviningrodoutnearthemarinaandfoundaburiedgoldcoin.”
Aceheldupacoininonehandandadiviningrod—aforkedtwig—intheother.
“Thiscoinisworthtendollars,”heannounced.“Ifanyofyouhadfoundit,you’dhavepaidoffthepriceofadiviningrodthreetimesover!”
“Aw,”grumbledBugs.“Cutthechatterandlet’sseethathunkoffirewooddoitsstuff.”
“Idon’tblameyou,kid,”saidAce.“Doubtallyoulike—tillyouseeitworkwithyourowneyes.Me,Iwouldn’tpaythreedollarsonyoursay-so,either.SoI’lltellyouwhatI’mgoingtodo.I’mgoingtofindgoldrighthereandnow.”
Aceheldtheforkedtwigwithbothhands.Hebowedhisheadasecond.Thenhewalkedslowlydownthebeach.
Rightbehindhimmarchedhistwopals.Theonewiththeshovelhaditbalancedlightlyinhishands,readytodigupsandthemomentAcegavetheword.Theothercarriedthebasket of divining rods on his hip, ready to sell them like hotcakes when gold wasdiscovered.
“If there is an ounce of gold under the sand here, I’ll find itwithmydivining rod,”promisedAce.
Thechildrenfellintosteponeachsideofhim.Noonespokeaword.AlleyesstaredatthetwiginAce’shands.
“Lotsofpiratesusedtocometothisbeach,”saidAce.“Whoknowshowmanytreasurecheststheyhidaroundhere!”
Theboywiththeshovelsaid,“Seethosesharpcoralreefsbythelighthouse?Youcanguessthenumberofshipsthatgotwreckedthere.Plentyofgoldandthingswasheduponthebeach.Overtheyears,theoceanburiedthem.”
Theyoungerchildrenhoppedwithexcitement.Itwastrue,allright.Theremustbetonsofpirategoldlyingaround.Rightunderfoot.Justoutofsight!
SuddenlythetwiginAce’shandsjumpedanddipped.
ThetwiginAce’shandjumped
“Igotsomething!”hecried.Hestoppedbyalog.“Here!Dighere!”
Theboywiththeshovelbegantodiglikecrazy.Thesandflew.Presentlyhisshovelhit
something—clank,clank.
Everyonepushedforwardtoseeintothehole.
Aceliftedoutanobjectshapedlikealargebrick.Itwasafootlong,sixincheswide,sixinchesdeep,andwrappedcompletelyindirtyrags.
Aceunwrappedtherags.Thesunshoneonabrick—
“Gold!”screamedAce.He raised theglittering,goldenbrickabovehisheadwithhisrighthand.Hewaveditforalltosee.“ItoldyouI’dfindgold!”
Heloweredthebrickandcovereditagainwiththerags.
“Okay,everyone,”hesaid.“I’mnotgreedy.I’mwillingtoshare.Forthreedollarsyoucan buy a divining rod like mine. What works for me will work for you. Only threedollars.”
“Justonetoacustomer,”calledtheboywiththebasketofforkedtwigs.“Get’emwhiletheylast!”
“There’splentyofgoldunderthesand,”saidAce.“Findit!Buyyourmotherafurcoat!Buyyourfatheranewcar!”
EncyclopediawatchedBugsMeany andhisTigers fight theirway to theheadof theline.
“Saveyourmoney,”theboydetectivetoldhisfriends.“Thosetwigswon’tevenmakegoodsling-shots.”
HOWDIDENCYCLOPEDIAKNOWTHEDIVININGRODSWEREFAKES?
(Pleaseseesolutionssection)
TheCaseoftheBitterDrinkMortLiverightwasknownthroughoutIdavilleasFangs.Hewastheonlyfifth-grader
whocouldopenabottleofrootbeerbetweenhisfrontteeth.
OneThursdaymorninghecameintotheBrownDetectiveAgencyandfellonthefloor.
EncyclopediawassurprisedtoseeFangsinsuchbadshape.Hisfacewasveryred;hiswell-knownlowerjawhungdownlikeaChristmasstocking;hischeeksweregoinginandoutfasterthanagroupofsquaredancers.
HereachedanarmtowardEncyclopedia.“Water,”hesaid,“Water!”
Encyclopediaranintothekitchen.Hereturnedwithapitcherofwater.
Fangsdrankitdry.Slowlyhischeeksstoppedgoinginandout.Hisjawtightened.
Hestoodupandexplained:“I’vebeenpracticing.”
“Forwhat?”askedEncyclopedia,fearingtheanswer.
“IwanttoridewiththemayorintheIdavilleDayParade,”saidFangs.
“Back up a little, please,” said Encyclopedia. “What were you doing down there,huffingandpuffinglikethelastdinosaur?”
“Did you ever drink castor oil mixedwith vinegar and horseradish?” said Fangs. “IfiguredthatifIcoulddrinkthat,Icoulddrinkanything.”
“Tougheningupyourtonsils,eh?”askedEncylopedia.“Howcome?”
“Every year theDaughters of the Pioneers hold Indian trials,” said Fangs. “The boywhowinsgetstorideinthemayor’scarintheparade.”
“Goon,”saidEncyclopedia.“I’llcatchup.”
“The Indian trials are made up of three contests,” said Fangs. “Last year I won atboiling water. Melvin Hoffenberger won at setting up a tent. Then Melvin won thedecidingcontest-drinkingthebitterdrink.”
“Ibegintofollowyou,”saidEncyclopedia.
“In the old days,” Fangs said, “an Indian youth couldn’t become a brave till heswallowedabitterdrinkwithoutchangingtheexpressiononhisface.”
FangsputaquarteronthegasolinecanbesideEncyclopedia.“Iwanttohireyou,”hesaid.
“YoususpectMelvincheatedonhisswallows?”
“He did something crooked last year,” said Fangs. “The stuffwe had to drink couldcleanastove.ButMelvindrankitdownlikepineapplepunch.IwantyoutowatchhimattheIndiantrialstomorrow.”
“I’llwatchhimlikeafactoryclock,”promisedEncyclopedia.
ThenextmorningEncyclopediarodeovertoSally’shouseandexplainedthecase.
“Youkeepaneyeon thebitterdrink,”he said. “I’ll bewatchingeverymoveMelvinmakes.”
The Indian trialswereheldon the fieldbehind theVeterans’building.When the twodetectivesarrived,thetent-pitchingcontestwasbeginning.
EncyclopedialookedaroundforFangs.Itwasdifficulttofindhim,becausealltheboysweredressedlikeIndians.
AtthesodafountainoutsidetheVeterans’building,EncyclopediaspiedasmallIndian.TheIndianspatsomethingintothetrashcan.Itranglikeabottletop.
“Fangs,”calledEncyclopedia,hurryingover.“Whyaren’tyoupitchingatent?”
“I’msavingmyself,”saidFangs.“It’stoohot.Besides,Melvinwillwineasily.I’vegottobeatmybest in theboiling-watercontest. If Idon’twin that, thebitter-drinkcontestwon’tmatter.”
EncyclopediahadnotroublespottingMelvinamongthetwelveboyspitchingtents.Histentwasthefirstup.
Finally,all thetentswereup.Theboysmovedintotheshadeofthetreestoawaitthewater-boilingcontest.
EncyclopediakepthiseyesonMelvin.Thechampionsatdownundera treebesideatowelandanicebucket.Firsthefilledhismouthwithice.Thenheputsomemoreiceinthetowel.Heheldthetoweltothebackofhisneck.
“Hesureknowshowtostaycoolonahotday,”Encyclopediathoughtadmiringly.
Melvinsuckedtheiceandrestedwhilethewater-boilingcontestwasheldoutinthehotsun.Alltheboysinthecontestusedtheirhandsonly,exceptFangs.Heusedhisteeth,too.
Theotherboystriedtostartasparkbyknockingonestoneagainstanother.Fangsheldastoneineachhand.Heknockedagainstathirdstoneheldbetweenhismightyfrontteeth.
SparksflewoutofhismouthlikeaChinesesky-rocket.Beforeanyoneelsegotthefirstweakflame,Fangshadafireroaringunderhiskettleofwater.
ItwasonevictoryapieceforFangsandMelvin.Thebitter-drinkcontestwoulddecidethefinalwinner!
Sally stopped by Encyclopedia. “The bitter drink is ready,” she said, shuddering. ”Ittasteslikeamustardbath.”
SparksflewoutofFangs’smouth.
Onlyfiveboysdaredtrythedrink.Afteroneswallow,theydroppedthecupandwentleapingawayasifgravitywereoutofstyle.Theotherboyshungback,lookingatMelvin.
Thechampioncalmlyspatouthismouthfulofice.Hewipedhishandsonhistowelandtookthecup.Hemadehisfaceasblankasarefrigeratordoor.
Thenwithoutchangingexpressionhedrainedthecup.
“Heisn’thuman!”moanedFangs.
“You’vegotthestrongestjawshere,”saidEncyclopedia.“Lockthemtogetheronceyougetthestuffdown,andyou’llwin.”
“Didyouseesomething?”askedFangshopefully.“DidyouseeMelvincheat?”
“Nevermind,”saidEncyclopedia.“Justkeepyourfacestillandholdthedrinkin.”
“Okay,”growledFangs,loweringhisheaddeterminedly.“Keepmyfacestill,holdthedrinkin—I’lldoit!I’llmakethemforgetHooverDam!”
Heseizedthecupanddowneditintwogulps.Thenhismightyjawslocked,thoughhiseyespoppedinandoutandheswayedandbouncedaroundlikearopebridge.
“That’sgoodenoughtowin,”saidEncyclopedia.“OnlyMelvindidanybetter,andhe’llberuledoutofthecontestafterIspeaktothejudges!”
HOWHADMELVINCHEATED?
(Pleaseseesolutionssection)
TheCaseoftheTelltalePaintOneafternoonMrs.Carleton,whoownedaflowershop,calledEncyclopediabyanew
name.
Shecalledhimathief.
EncyclopediawasracinghisbikedownPrinceStreetwhenithappened.
HehadspedpastMrs.Carleton’sbackyardwithhisheaddown.Hiseyeswereontheroad.Hehadnotseenherstrugglingtoherfeet.
Butshesawhimwhizzingoff.
Firsthermouthopenedsowideyoucouldcountherteeth.ThenshestartedscreamingasthoughJesseJamesweregettingawayonahigh-schoolhorse.
“Thief!Stop,thief!”
Encyclopediabrakedwithallhismight.Heslammedtoastoplikeanear-sightedknightjousting thepalacewall.Ridingback toMrs.Carleton, he felt his nose to see if itwasbleeding.
Mrs.CarletonquieteddownwhensherecognizedIdaville’sonlyboydetective.
“Whatwereyouspeedingfrom?”shedemanded,stillsuspicious.
“I’minabikerace,”saidEncyclopedia.“It’stwicearoundtheblocktoseewhoclocksthefastesttime.SofarHerbSteinisleadingbysevenseconds.”
“Oh,” saidMrs.Carleton. “For amoment I thought youwere the onewho stolemypurse.”
“Youwerejustrobbed?”
“AsIwasgettingoutofmycar,”shesaid.“Somebodysneakedupbehindme,grabbedmypurse,andknockedmedown.”
“Ididn’tpassanyone,”saidEncyclopedia.“Thethiefmusthaverunthroughoneofthebackyards.”
“Thenhe’sgotcleanaway,”saidMrs.Carleton.“I’dbettertelephoneforthepolice.”
Encyclopediastraightened.Itwasn’tthemomentforhidinghislight.
“Excuseme,”hesaid.“Perhapsyoucouldusemyprofessionalservices.Myfeeisonlytwenty-fivecentsaday,plusexpenses.”
Mrs. Carleton smiled. “All right. But your fee will have to wait till my purse isrecovered.”
“Is there anyone in the house?” Encyclopedia asked. “Anyonewhomight have seenwhathappened?”
“Ilivealone,”saidMrs.Carleton.“Wait,JimKrebsissomewherearound.Ihiredhimtopaintmyorchidhousetoday.”
TheyfoundJiminthetoolshed,pouringwhitepaintfromonecanintoanother.
“Hi,Mrs.Carleton,”hesaid.“Thiscansprungaleak.SoI’mputtingthepaintintothisone.”
Encyclopedia remembered seeing Jim, a boy of thirteen, hanging around the Tigers’clubhouse.
“DidyouseewhostoleMrs.Carleton’spursejustnow?”askedEncyclopedia.
“No,”saidJimquickly.“Ididn’t seeorhearanything. I’vebeen in this tool shed thepastfewminutes.”
“MayIlookaround?”EncyclopediaaskedMrs.Carleton.
“Gorightahead,”Mrs.Carletonsaid.“Jim,pleasehelpEncyclopediaallyoucan.”
“Sure,” agreed Jim’s mouth. The rest of him looked as though he’d rather go overNiagaraFallsonasaladplate.
Encyclopediasearchedthetoolshed.Heevenpokedastickintothecanwiththewhitepaint.SatisfiedthatJimhadnotstolenthepurseandhiddenit,hewalkedoutside.
Thepathbetweentheorchidhouse,whichJimhadbeenpainting,andthetoolshedwasaboutthreehundredfeet long.Dropsofwhitepaintfromtheleakingcanhadfalleninastraightlinebetweenthetwosmallbuildings.
“IwasusingthewhitepaintwhenInoticedtheleakinthebottomofthecan,”saidJim.“SoIwalkedtothetoolshedwiththecan.Thosepaintdropsproveit.Ididn’tseeorhearanythief.”
Encyclopedialookedcarefullyatthedropsofpaint.
“Fromanyplaceon thepath,youcansee thespotwhereMrs.Carletonwasknockeddown,”saidEncyclopedia.“Youmusthaveseenithappen.”
“Ididn’tseeanything,”saidJim.“Leavemealone.”
Encyclopediawentouttothepath.Helookedcarefullyatthedropsofpaint.
“Jim’s telling the truth,”he thought. “Hecouldn’tbe the thief.Thepaintdrops showthathewentstraightfromtheorchidhousetothetoolshed.”
Jimcouldn’thavehadtimetostealMrs.Carleton’spurseandrunbacktothetoolshed,Encyclopediarealized.Shewouldhaveseenhim.
Thentheboysleuthnoticedsomethingstrangeaboutthedropsofpaint.Theychanged.
Fromtheorchidhouse toabouthalfwayalong thepath, thedropswerenearly round.Theyhadfallenabouttwofeetapart.
But from the halfwaypoint to the tool shed, the dropswere narrow.Theyhad fallenabouteightfeetapart.
“Hey,Encyclopedia!Whatareyoudoing?”
Encyclopedialookedtowardthestreet.Hesawsomeofthegangfromthebikeraces—HerbStein,CharlieStewart,andSallyKimball.
“Boy,wethoughtyou’dcrashedintoatreeorsomething,”calledHerb.
Encyclopedia hurriedover.He explained the reason for his failure to cross the finishline.
“DoyouknowwhostoleMrs.Carleton’spurse?”askedSally.
“The thief got away,” said Encyclopedia. “But Jim Krebs saw the whole thing. Hewon’tadmitit,though.Ithinkhe’sscaredthethiefsawhimandwillhurthimifhetells.”
“That’slikeJim,”saidCharlie.“BugsMeanywon’thavehimforaTiger.BugssaysJimhasonlyonestripe,andyouknowwhatcolorthatis.”
“He’ssoyellowhemakesacanaryjealous,”saidHerb.
“Stopbeingmean,”saidSallyangrily.
“It’s not funny,” agreed Encyclopedia. “However, Jim’s fear did give him away. Hesuddenlygotawfullyfrightenedwhilehewascarryingtheleakycanofpainttothetoolshed.”
HOWDIDENCYCLOPEDIAKNOW?
(Pleaseseesolutionssection)
TheCaseoftheStolenDiamondsEncyclopedia lookedup fromhisbook,Diamonds forEveryone.Hismother stood in
thedoorwayofhisroom.
“Didyouknowthatdiamondsaresohardthey’reusedtodrillstone?”heasked.
“Imayneedadiamondtodrillmyroastbeef,”saidhismother.“Itwillbecookedashardasstoneifyoudon’tcometodinner.”
“Sorry,Mom,” saidEncyclopedia.Heput thebookaside,washed, andhurried to thetable.Hewantedtotalkaboutdiamonds.
Hisfather,however,hadaproblem.
“Thepolicechiefsfromallover thestatewillbeherenextweek,”saidChiefBrown.“TheychoseIdavillefortheiryearlymeeting.”
“Areyouworriedabouthowtokeeptheminterested?”askedMrs.Brown.
“Exactly,”saidChiefBrown.“Everyyeartherearespeechesandmorespeeches.IwanttodosomethingdifferentinIdaville.”
“Whydon’tyouhavethechiefssolveacrime?”askedEncyclopedia.
“HowcanI?”askedChiefBrown.“Therehasn’tbeenanunsolvedcrimeinIdavilleinayear.Thankstoyouknowwho.”
“Socommitacrime,”saidEncyclopedia.
“DidIhearyoucorrectly,Leroy?”askedMrs.Brown.
“I’vebeenreadingaboutdiamonds,”repliedEncyclopedia.“Whynotstealadiamond?”
“Mr.VanSwigget,thejeweler,hasadiamondnecklace,”saidChiefBrown.“It’sworthfiftythousanddollars.Wouldyouliketostealitforme?”
Encyclopediashookhisheadandsmiled.
“Make believe the necklace is stolen, Dad,” he said. “Give the police chiefs all theclues.Thenletthemtrytosolvethecase.”
“Sortofatest,eh?”saidChiefBrownthoughtfully.“Bygolly,youmayhavesomething
there.”
Betweentheroastbeefandthebutterscotchpudding,ChiefBrowndecidedtoputontheunusualevent.Encyclopediaworkedoutthecrimebeforegoingtobed.
InthemorninghisfatherwenttoseeMr.VanSwigget.Thejeweleragreedtoplayapartinthemake-believecrime.Infact,hewasdelightedtohaveachancetotestthebestpolicebrainsinthestate.
SoitwasthatfivedayslaterthirtychiefsofpolicegatheredinMr.VanSwigget’soffice.Encyclopediastoodinthefrontoftheroombesidehisfather.
Mr.VanSwiggetpretendedtoseemveryupset.
“Adiamondnecklacewasstolenthismorning,”hesaid.“Itisinsuredforfiftythousanddollars.Butmoneycan’treplacesuchatreasure!”
“Pardonme,”saidoneofthechiefs.“Whatisthatnecklaceonyourdesk,sir?”
Mr.VanSwiggetliftedanecklacefromhisdeskforalltosee.
“This,”hesaid,“isacopyofthestolendiamondnecklace.Asyoucansee,itisperfectin everyway.Only it ismadeof glass.The thievesdidn’t botherwith it.Theyknew itwasn’ttherealdiamondnecklace.”
“Doyoubelievethenthatsomeoneinyourownstorehadahandinthetheft?”askedachief.
“Yes,Ido,”answeredMr.VanSwigget.“Thetwonecklacesarekepttogetherinasafewhennot ondisplay.Had the thievesbeenunsureofwhichwas thediamondnecklace,theywouldhavetakenboth.Buttheytookonlytherealnecklace.”
Near Encyclopedia, one chief whispered to another: “Someone must have told thethieveswhichwastherealnecklace.”
Mr.VanSwiggetstoodup.“Now,gentlemen,”hesaid.“Pleasefollowme.Ishallshowyouhowithappened.”
From theofficeMr.VanSwigget led theway into thehall.The floorof thehallwascoveredwithstone.Attheendofthehallwasamarblestaircase.
“Thediamondnecklace and theglass copy arekept in the safeon the second floor,”saidMr.Van Swigget. “Shortly after ten o’clock thismorning, Iwas bringing the fakenecklacedowntomyoffice.Suddenlytwomaskedmencamechargingupatme.”
Mr. Van Swigget climbed the stairs. At the top he turned around. He started down,holdinghishandsbeforehim.Hewaspretendingtocarrytheglassnecklace.
“Oneofthemaskedmengrabbedtheglassnecklace,”wentonMr.VanSwigget.“Hefingeredit,cursed,andthrewittothefloor.Atgunpointthepairforcedmebackupstairs.Ihadtoopenthesafeandgivethemthediamondnecklace.”
Mr.VanSwiggetreachedthebottomofthestairs.
Mr.VanSwiggetpretendedtocarrytheglassnecklace.
“Gentlemen,” he said to the police chiefs. “That is what happened. Are there anyquestions?”
“Are you sure that it would be impossible to tell the glass necklace and diamondnecklaceapart?”askedachief.
“Notataglance,”answeredMr.VanSwigget.
Anotherchiefasked,“Whoknowsabouttheglasscopybesidesyourself?”
“My store manager, Mr. Evers, and my secretary, Mrs. Zunser,” answered Mr. VanSwigget.“Theycantellthetwonecklacesapart.Buttheyhavebeenwithmefortwentyyears.Itrustthemcompletely.”
Thechiefshadnofurtherquestions.ChiefBrownsteppednexttoMr.VanSwigget.
“In theshowroomtoyour leftyouwill findpencilsandpaper,”saidChiefBrown.“Iaskyoutowritedownyoursolution.”
“Gosh,Dad,” saidEncyclopedia as the police chiefs passed into the showroom. “Doyouthinkwemadeittooeasy?”
“We’llsoonfindout,”saidhisfather.“Butnomatterhowmanysolvethecase, ithasmadeabighitwitheveryone.”
AnhourlaterChiefBrownfinishedlookingthroughtheanswers.
“You didn’tmake the case too easy,” he told Encyclopedia. “Only four of the thirtychiefsnamedthepersonbehindthe theftandtoldwhere thediamondnecklacecouldbefound.”
DOYOUKNOW?
(Pleaseseesolutionssection)
TheCaseoftheMissingStatueThe news spread through the neighborhood. Linda Wentworth, the famous movie
actress,wascomingtoIdaville!
A crowd of excited children hurried to thewaterfront house that the star had rented.Soonthreecarsdroveup.
The last car carried newspaper reporters. The middle car carried Miss Wentworth’shairdresserandMissWentworth’sluggage.ThefirstcarcarriedMissWentworthandherbodyguard,abigmancalledRocco.
Astheactressgotout,BugsMeanyshovedpastEncyclopediaandsteppedoutinfrontofthechildren.
“Standaside,I’mabouttobediscovered,”hesaid,whippingacombthroughhishair.‘I’llbe thehottest thing inpicture-makingsince thewashablecrayon.Justwatchmegoplaces!”
Bugswentplaces—up.Roccoliftedhimbytheshirtcollar.
“Sorry,kid,”saidRocco.HemovedthetoughestTigeroutofthewaylikeagoosenecklamp.“Noautographs.”
“Someotherday,darlings,”cooedMissWentworth.Sheblewkissestothechildrenandsweptintothehouse.
“What isMissWentworth doing in Idaville,Dad?”Encyclopedia asked at the dinnertablethatevening.
“It does seem a bit strange,” saidChiefBrown. “Her newpicture,TheStolenLamb,openstomorrowintheatersacrossthecountry.”
“You’dthinkshewouldbegoingfromcitytocitytobuildupinterestinthepicture,”saidEncyclopedia.
“According to the newspaper, she brought the lamb used in the picture,” said Mrs.Brown.“It’sasilverstatuecoveredwithjewelsandworthahundredthousanddollars.”
“Ireadthat,”saidChiefBrown.“Inthemoviethelambisstolen,andMissWentworthnearlyiskilledhelpingtheherofindit.”
“I’llhavetogoseethemovie,”saidEncyclopedia,asthetelephonerang.
Hisfathertookthecallinthekitchen.Whenhesteppedbackintothelivingroom,heworehisgun.
“IhavetogooverandseeMissWentworth,”hesaid.“Thestatueofthelambhasbeenstolenfromherbedroom.”
“MayIgoalong?”criedEncyclopedia.
“OrdinarilyI’dsayno,”answeredChiefBrown.“Butthiscaseisdifferent.Itmayteachyousomethingaboutmoviepeople.Let’sgo.”
Sitting beside his father in the car, Encyclopedia asked, “What did youmean by theremarkaboutmoviepeople?”
“Moviepeople,”saidChiefBrown,“willdoanythingtogettheirnamesandpicturesinthenews.”
“Doyou think the statuewasn’t stolen?” exclaimedEncyclopedia. “WhywouldMissWentworthmakeitup?Justtogetanewsstorytohelpherpicture,TheStolenLamb?Thatwouldbeplaindishonest!”
“Actors aren’t like other people,” saidChiefBrown. “They don’t care aboutwhat isrightorwrongaslongastheygetattention.”
Encyclopediafeltangryathis fatherfor talking like that.Hesat insilenceduring therestoftheridetoMissWentworth’shouse.
Theactressherselfansweredthedoor.
“Darling, how good of you to come,” she said. “What a simply dreadful thing tohappen!”
“Maywesee the roomwhere the statuewaskept?”askedChiefBrown,afterhehadintroducedEncyclopedia.
The actress led theway through a group of newspaper reporters and up the flight ofstairstoherbedroom.Atthedoor,Rocco,herbodyguard,joinedthem.
“Ihaven’ttouchedanything,”saidMissWentworth.“Iknowyouwonderfulpolicemenwanteverythingleftjustasitwas.”
“Thankyou,”mutteredChiefBrown.
MissWentworth’sbedstoodagainstonewall.Thesheetshadbeentornoffandknottedtogether.Oneendofthesheetswastiedtothefootofthebed.Theotherendhungoutthewindowtowithinfourfeetoftheground.
“I kept the statue on this table,” saidMissWentworth. “The thiefmust have hiddensomeplaceinthehouse.Whenwewerealldownstairs,hemusthaveslippedinhereandstolen the statue. I saw it wasmissingwhen I came upstairs to changemy clothes fordinner.”
“IwascomingfromthegaragewhenIsawahugemancarryingthestatuedroptothe
ground,”saidRocco.“Iranuptohim,butheknockedmedownandgotaway.”
Encyclopediawondered how anything smaller than a freight train could knock downRocco.
“Thethiefwasaverystrongmantoclimbdownthesheetswiththestatue,”saidChiefBrown.“Itmustweighalot.”
“Aboutahundredpounds,”saidRocco.
ChiefBrown looked around the room carefully. Then he askedEncyclopedia to stepintothehall.Fatherandsonagreedupontheirnextmove.
Encyclopediawastousethesheetstoclimbtotheground,asthethiefhaddone.
Butfromthewindow,EncyclopediasawBugsMeanystandingonthesidewalkbelow.He was still dreaming of becoming amovie star, for his hair was parted and he woresunglasses.
“Hey, Bugs,” called Encyclopedia. “Want to help Miss Wentworth? Climb up thesheets.She’srightuphere.”
“Rabadabadoo!” sang Bugs, grabbing hold of the end of the sheets. “I knew shecouldn’tgetmeoutofhermind.”
Bugsstartedup.Thebed,towhichtheotherendofthesheetswastied,creakedloudly.Suddenlyitpulledawayfromthewall.
BugsMeanywasstandingonthesidewalkbelow.
Encyclopediaheardsomethingfalldown,somethingthathadbeencaughtbetweenthebedandthewall.Itwasafountainpen.ChiefBrownpickeditup.
“Isitaclue,darling?”askedMissWentworth.
“It’sthecluethatsolvesthiscase,”saidChiefBrown.
Encyclopediahadneverseenhisfatherlookangrier.
BugsMeany appeared at the window. It was his big moment. ButMissWentworthdidn’tevenknowhewasthere.
ShewaslookingnervouslyatChiefBrown.“Thestatueofthelambwasneverstolen,”hesaid.“Wherehaveyouhiddenit,MissWentworth?”
HOWDIDCHIEFBROWNKNOWTHEROBBERYWASFAKED?
(Pleaseseesolutionssection)
TheCaseoftheHouseofCardsDuring theweek thatEncyclopedia’smotherstoredheroldsofa in thegarage,Benny
Breslincamearoundregularly.
Bennywas awonder atmaking things. Itwaswidelyheld that hewouldgrowup tobecomeafamousbuilderofbridgesandskyscrapers—ifhecouldkeepawake.
BennyandEncyclopedialikednothingbetterthantotalkaboutbridgebuilding.Bennytalkedwhilelyingontheoldsofa.Ithelpedhim“thinklikeabridge,”hesaid.
Heusuallystayedawaketilltheyhadworkedoutthebendingmomentofacantilever.Atthatpoint,herolledoverandstartedsnoring.
BennystoppedbythedayaftertheSalvationArmyfinallycartedoffthesofa.HestaredattheemptyplaceintheBrowngarage.Disappointmentdrippedfromhisface.
“Sorry,”saidEncyclopedia.“Maybewecouldtalkaboutflagpolewatching.Thatmighthelpyoukeepupright.”
“Nevermind,”saidBenny.“IjustwantedtoinviteyoutomybirthdaypartyMonday.”
“Gosh,thanks,I’dlovetocome,”saidEncyclopedia,thoughherememberedthestrangeendingofBenny’sbirthdaypartylastyear.
Then, thechildrenhadplayedsoftball after lunch,andBennyhadhit a triple.Buthehadfallenasleepwhilewaitingonthirdbase.Thegamehadtobecalled,becausenoonedaredtowakehim.Afterall,itwashisparty.
ByMonday,Encyclopediahadpolisheduphisblackshoestilltheyshoneliketheseatofabusdriver’spants.HebikedovertoSally’shouse,andtogetherthepartnersrodetoBenny’s.
“What’syourpresent?”askedSally.
“Abookaboutbridges,naturally,”saidEncyclopedia.“What’syours?”
“Twodecksofplayingcards.Eachcardhasapictureofadifferentfamousbuilding.”
Theotherchildrenhadbroughtpresents in linewithBenny’s interest inconstruction.Therewereeightboysandeightgirls.EncyclopediaknewthemallexceptaboynamedMarkPlotz.
Markkepttohimself.HeseemedmoreinterestedinthetoolchestMr.BreslinhadgivenBennythaninmakingfriends.EncyclopedialearnedfromHerbSteinthatMarkwasnewinIdaville.
“HisparentsarefriendsofBenny’sparents,”saidHerb.“Itriedtalkingtohim,butit’slikecrossingamulewithanotter.Allyougetaremutters.”
Whenallthepresentshadbeenfingered,Benny’smotherservedlunch.Thenthegamesbegan.
Thefirstgamewasascavengerhunt.Mrs.Breslingaveeachchildapaperbag,apencil,andalistofeightthingstocollect.
Encyclopedia’slistread:asafetypin,aflashlight,a1960penny,agreencrayon,anaceofhearts,abarofpinksoap,atoothbrush,andasoupspoon.
“I’dratherfinishthesoftballgamewestartedlastyear,”FangsLiverightwhisperedtoEncyclopedia.“WeonlygotinthreeinningsbeforeBennywentintohisstandingsnoozeatthirdbase.”
“Me,too,”saidEncyclopedia.“WherewillIfindabarofpinksoap?”
Anhour laterEncyclopediawas hunting throughhismother’smedicine chest for thesoapwhenSallyshoutedfromthestreet.
“ComebacktoBenny’shouse!”shecried.“Hisnewtoolchesthasbeenstolen!”
Encyclopedia flung down his half-filled paper bag. “Benny’s best present!” he said,jumpingonhisbike.“Poorguy!”
Benny lookedclose to tearswhenEncyclopedia entered theBreslin living room.Theotherchildrenstoodarounddazedly,exceptMarkPlotz.Heseemedinpain.Encyclopedianoticedhewaslimping.
Mrs. Breslin was talking on the telephone. Encyclopedia could hear her tellingsomebodyaboutthetheft.
Thetoolchestwasmissingfromitsplaceonthefloorbesidetheotherpresents.
“Whodiscoveredthetheft?”askedEncyclopedia.
“Idid,”saidMark.“Ineededaqueenofheartsfor thescavengerhunt. I rememberedthecardsBennygotforhisbirthday.Icameinheretoborrowthequeen.”
“That’swhenyounoticedthetoolchestmissing?”
“Missing,nothing!”exclaimedMark.“Isawabigkidwithitinhishand.Herantothatwindowandjumpedout.”
“Youdidn’ttrytostophim?”
“SureItried,”snappedMark.“Iranforhim,butIhitmyshinagainstthecoffeetableand fell flat.Boy,my legstillhurts.When Igotup, the thiefwasbeingdrivenoff inablackhotrod.”
Marksaid,“Boy,mylegstillhurts.”
“That’swhatwokemeup,”saidBenny.“Markwasleaningout thewindowshouting,‘Thief!’”
“Wherewereyousleeping?”askedEncyclopedia.
“On the sofa,” answeredBenny. “Ineededa jackof spades for the scavengerhunt. IopenedSally’spresent.Igotinterestedinthepicturesofthebuildingsoneachcard,andIbeganbuildingahousewiththem.”
Onthecoffeetable,whichstoodaboutafootinfrontofthesofa,wasafive-storyhousebuiltofcards.
“AfterIusedupallthecards,Igotsleepy,”saidBenny.“ThenextthingIknew,Markwasshouting,‘Thief!’”
“Didyouseeablackcaronthestreet?”
“No,”saidBenny.“ButIheardacar.BythetimeIgottothewindow,ithadturnedthecorner.”
“Ididn’tseethethief’sface,”saidMark.“ButheworealeatherjacketwiththeletterLontheback.”
“ThatmakeshimoneoftheLions,thatgangoftoughteenagersonWoodburnAvenue,”saidSally.
“Maybe,”saidEncyclopedia.“Let’slookoutside,Sally.”
The two partners stopped before the open window the thief had reportedly used.Encyclopediastudiedthebushesbelowit.Hefoundseveralbrancheswerebroken.
“Thethiefmusthavehurthimselfjumpingout,”saidEncyclopedia.“Ibethedidn’tgetfar.Heprobablyhidthetoolchestsomeplace,andheplansonreturningafterdarkforit.”
“Geewhiz,”saidSally.“Doyouthinkthat’showMarkhurthisleg?Ishethethief?
“Ofcourse,”saidEncyclopedia.“Itwasinthecardsallthetime.”
HOWDIDENCYCLOPEDIAKNOWMARKWASLYING?
(Pleaseseesolutionssection)
SOLUTIONS
SolutiontoTheCaseoftheMysteriousTrampJohnMorgansaidthatMr.Clancywalkedaroundtothefrontofthetruckand
raisedthehood.
Hedescribedhow“Clancyfellover theradiatorandsliddownthefrontofthetruck”afterbeingstruckbythetramp.Thenhehimself“climbedoutofthetruck.”
Buthesaidhehadbeensittinginthefrontseat.Sohesawtheattackthroughthewindshield.
Impossible!
Thehoodofthetruckwasraised,remember?
AllJohnMorgancouldhaveseenthroughthewindshieldwasthehood!
ChiefBrown recoveredMr.Clancy’smoney.The guilty JohnMorganwassenttoprison.
SolutiontoTheCaseoftheRubberPillowBugsclaimedhehadneverbeentoDanny’shouse.
Yetheknewtheporchrailing,thesteps,andthefrontdoorwerejustpaintedandstillwet.
Howhadhegivenhimselfaway?
By: 1) jumping over the steps getting on and off the porch, instead of
mountingthem;2)rightinghimselfwithouttouchingtheporchrailingafterheskidded; and 3) knocking on the glasswindow rather than on the front doorwhennooneansweredthedoorbell.
Obviously,Bugsdidn’twanttogetfreshwhitepaintonhishandsandshoes!
SolutiontoTheCaseofBugs’sKidnappingBugssaid,“IthoughtI’dtakethehingesoffthelockeddoor,butnoluck.The
hingeswereontheothersideofthedoor.”
Butthenhesaidthedoor“swungintotheroom,knockingmedown.”
Impossible!
Doorsswingtowardtheirhinges.Sothedoorofthelockedroomwouldhaveswungintothehall,notintotheroom.
Whentrappedbyhiserror,Bugsconfessed.Thekidnappingwasafake.
BugshaddreamedituptogetevenwithEncyclopedia.
SolutiontoTheCaseoftheBoyBullfighterMiguelliedwhenhesaidthedogattackedCharliebecauseofhisredpants.
Dogscan’tbetrainedtoattackthecolorred,becausedogsarecolorblind!
Sothebigdogcouldn’thaveknownwhetherCharliehadredoryellowpantson.
Therefore,Miguelmusthaveorderedthedogtoattack.
When reminded that dogs are color blind, Miguel gave back the toothcollection.
He also returned the seat of the red pants, which Charlie’s mother sewedbackasgoodasnew.
SolutiontoTheCaseoftheDiviningRodEncyclopedia realized Ace had painted a brick with a couple of dollars’
worthofgoldpaintandburiedit.Thenhepretendedtofinditwiththediviningrod.
The other children were ready to believe the divining rod really worked.However,thebrickAcesupposedly“found”underthesandwasafootlong,sixincheswide,andsixinchesdeep.
Acecouldnothavelifteditabovehisheadwithonehandifithadreallybeenmadeofsolidgold.
Asolidgoldbrickofthatsizeweighsnearlythreehundredpounds!
SolutiontoTheCaseoftheBitterDrinkMelvinusedtheicetocoolhimselfintheheatoftheday—andforsomething
else.
Hekepticeinhismouthtofreezethetastebudsofhistongue.
Withhistastebudsdeadened,hecouldn’ttasteathing.
Sohehadnotroubleatallindrinkingthebitterdrink!
SolutiontoTheCaseoftheTelltalePaintJim said he “walked” to the tool shedwith the leaking paint can. But the
paintdropsonthepathtoldotherwise.
Halfwaytowardthetoolshedthedrops“werenearlyround.Theyhadfallenabouttwofeetapart.”
But on the last half of the path, the drops “were narrow. They had fallenabouteightfeetapart.”
Thatmeantthatonthelasthalfofthepath,Jimwascoveringmoregroundbetween the falling drops—he was running. (The drops were being flunginsteadofdroppingstraightdownandthereforewere“narrow.”)
Encyclopedia knew that at the halfway point, Jim had seen the thief.Becomingfrightened,hehadrunintothetoolshedandhidden.
When faced with the evidence, Jim broke down. The thief was quicklyarrested,andMrs.Carleton’spursewasrecovered.
SolutiontoTheCaseoftheStolenDiamondsInthetestthoughtupbyEncyclopedia,Mr.VanSwiggetplayedthepartof
thecriminalmastermind.
Hehadhiredthemaskedmentorobhim—ofthewrongnecklace!
Rememberhowthemaskedmanonthestairwayhadthrownthesupposedlyglassnecklaceaway?Hadittrulybeenglass,itwouldhavebrokenonthestonefloor.
But the“glass”copy that thepolicechiefs sawonMr.VanSwigget’sdeskwasn’tbroken.Itwas“perfect.”
Sothenecklaceonhisdesk,whichhadbeenthrowntothefloor,hadtobethe diamond necklace. Diamonds, being harder than stone, wouldn’t havebrokenonthestonefloor.
Themaskedmenhadstolentheglassnecklace!
Thusinthemake-believetheftMr.VanSwiggetnotonlykeptthediamondnecklace.Hewouldhavecollectedthefiftythousanddollars’insurancemoneybesides!
SolutiontoTheCaseoftheMissingStatueMissWentworthsaidshehadn’ttouchedanythinginthebedroomsincethe
theft.
Her bed was pressed so tightly against the wall that a fountain pen wastrappedinbetween.Andthesheetsweretiedtothefootofthebedandrunoutthewindow.
Thethief,“ahugeman,”carryingtheheavystatueofalamb,hadsupposedlyclimbeddownthesheets.
Yet when Bugs Meany, a boy, had climbed up the sheets, what hadhappened?
Hisweighthadpulledthebedawayfromthewall!
Hadthehugemanreallyclimbeddownthesheets,thebedwouldhavebeenpulledawayfromthewallwhenChiefBrownandEncyclopediafirstsawit.
MissWentworthadmittedthestatuehadn’tbeenstolen.
Thefakerobberywasastunttogetpublicityforhernewpicture,TheStolenLamb.
SolutiontoTheCaseoftheHouseofCardsEncyclopediaknewthatMarkhadhurthislegjumpingoutthewindowwith
thetoolchest.
Markcouldn’thavehurtthelegashesaid—hittingitagainstthecoffeetable.
Thefive-storyhouseofcardswasstillstandingonthecoffeetable.IfMarkhadhitthetablehardenoughtoknockhimselfdown,thehouseofcardswouldhavecrashed!
Whenfacedwiththisfact,Markconfessed.
Hehadstolenthetoolchestandhiddenitintheyardnextdoor.Returningtothelivingroom,hehadmadeupthepartaboutseeingthethiefescape.