Mystery of the Mixed-Up Zoo by Charles Tang

CHAPTER 1
    Edward Marlow
    D riving down the highway, James Alden pointed out the sign announcing the city of Rosedale to his four grandchildren, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny.
    â€œThere’s where my old friend, Edward Marlow, lives.”
    Benny, the youngest, craned his neck. “I see it!” he said in an excited voice.
    â€œI can’t wait to meet Mr. Marlow,” Jessie said. “Did you go to school with him?”
    Grandfather chuckled. “He was my college roommate. Edward dreamed up all kinds of excitement. He had a lot of pep in those days.” He paused. “I’m eager to see him. I haven’t seen him for years. He’s owned this small zoo for a long time, and I want to see how he’s getting along.”
    â€œIs he as handsome as you, Grandfather?” Violet asked with a smile.
    Grandfather laughed. “Edward was a good-looking boy with a mischievous streak.”
    â€œEdward sounds like fun!” Benny said. “And his zoo even more fun!”
    â€œYes, he does,” Henry agreed. “How far does he live from the zoo, Grandfather?”
    â€œHe lives just one block away, just a short walk,” Grandfather said.
    Smiling, Violet leaned back in the seat. She brushed back her hair so she’d look her best for Grandfather’s friend.
    Jessie smiled at her sister. Her thick hair was tangled from the wind, but she smoothed it down and tied it back with a ribbon.
    â€œI wish we could have brought Watch,” Benny said.
    â€œWatch will be fine,” Henry said. “You know how Mrs. McGregor spoils our dog.”
    Benny nodded, satisfied.
    More and more highway signs appeared. They knew they were in the city limits when they passed a sign that said:
    ROSEDALE, MASSACHUSETTS
POPULATION : 85,000
    A motel flashed by, then a few stores, a park, a public swimming pool, and a movie theater. On this hot August day, hundreds of kids were swimming.
    Grandfather swung off Highway Six onto Main Street, then drove straight for several blocks. “Watch for Hamilton Street,” he said, pushing his sunglasses up on his nose.
    â€œThere it is!” Jessie exclaimed. “Hamilton Street.”
    â€œNow,” Grandfather said, “look for 501 Hamilton.”
    â€œFive-oh-one!” yelled Benny a moment later, delighted that he’d been the first to spot Edward’s house.
    The narrow two-story house was wooden and quite plain. Not a flower, not a bush grew near it.
    Grandfather stopped the station wagon and the children scrambled out.
    Grandfather, straight and tall, headed up the walk, and knocked on the door.
    The door opened wide and there stood Edward Marlow. He was a gray-haired man with a pink round face. His blue eyes twinkled, and a grin spread across his face. “Come in, come in,” he called. “Welcome!”
    Grandfather grabbed Edward and the two men hugged one another. “Edward, it’s great to see you!” Grandfather said.
    â€œAnd you, too, you old fox!” Edward said.
    Grandfather stepped aside. “Meet my four grandchildren,” he said proudly. He pointed to the tallest. “This is Henry, who’s the oldest, he’s fourteen; Jessie is twelve; Violet is ten; and here’s six-year-old Benny.”
    â€œHow do you do, sir,” Benny said, stepping up and shaking Edward’s hand.
    â€œYou’re all to call me Edward,” Edward ordered in a teasing tone. “Come into the kitchen for a surprise.”
    Going through the living room, Jessie noticed piles of newspapers and yellow magazines stacked in the corner. Upon a closer look, she saw that the yellow magazines were all National Geographics. Next to a worn leather chair was a world globe. Edward must like geography, she thought. Tables and lamps were dusty, and a cobweb drifted down from the ceiling.
    The dining room appeared to be seldom used. In the center was a heavy round table with six chairs. On one wall was a