Mystery of the Mixed-Up Zoo by Charles Tang Page B

spaghetti and meatballs with heaps of homemade bread, they finished with coconut cream pie.
    â€œIn the morning,” Edward promised, “you’ll see my zoo. I know you’ll like it.”
    â€œI know we will,” Jessie said. “Is every animal your friend?”
    â€œEvery single one!” Edward said. “The town likes the animals, too. It’s their taxes that helps me add new animals and build comfortable homes for them.”
    â€œI can see you’re happy in your work,” Grandfather said.
    Edward nodded. “My zoo keeps me young, James.”
    Going to the zoo tomorrow would be exciting, Violet thought. She just hoped it was better kept than Edward’s house!

CHAPTER 2
    The Mix-Up
    B enny, awakening before anyone else, climbed down the bunk’s ladder and tiptoed to the closet. He pulled on pants and a shirt. Then he sat by the window to wait until Henry woke up.
    After a few minutes, unable to wait any longer, he went over to Henry and whispered, “Henry, Henry, are you awake?”
    Groaning softly, Henry rolled over and opened his eyes. “I am now,” he said.
    â€œGet ready. We’re going to the zoo,” Benny urged. Sitting up, Henry said. “Look at you, Benny. You’re dressed and ready to go.”
    Benny nodded.
    â€œOkay,” Henry said, swinging his legs over and rubbing his eyes. “I’ll bet we’re the first ones at the breakfast table.”
    But he was wrong. Coming into the kitchen, he was surprised to see Violet setting the table and Jessie mixing pancakes. Henry pitched in and broiled bacon while Benny poured orange juice.
    Edward and Grandfather soon joined them. Edward’s bushy eyebrows shot up. “Well, well, what have we here?” he said. “What a treat.” He chuckled. “I only keep a few groceries on hand, but I see you’ve found a use for them.”
    â€œEdward,” Jessie began as she set a stack of pancakes on the table, “I wonder if …”
    â€œYes?” he looked at her expectantly, pulling a chair to the table and sitting down.
    â€œAll of us like to cook and clean and garden.” Jessie paused, passing the syrup. “And, well, we’d like to do a few things for you.”
    Edward chewed his bacon. “That would be wonderful. An old bachelor like me doesn’t pay much attention to the house. Or have many home-cooked meals.”
    â€œCould we stack up your newspapers and magazines?” Violet asked.
    â€œOf course.” Edward thoughtfully rubbed his chin. “You know, there’s an old cabinet in the basement. Maybe you could bring it up and hide them in there. Anything else you find down there that might be useful,” he added, “haul it up.”
    â€œThanks,” Henry said. “If you like, we could plant a few shrubs and flowers, too.”
    â€œI’d like to have a hand in that, too,” Grandfather said.
    â€œGreat!” Edward said, smiling. “I’ve got plenty of cash in that cookie jar.” He pointed to an orange glass pumpkin with a green stem for the lid. “Help yourselves to whatever you need to buy.”
    â€œThank you!” Benny said eagerly. “We won’t waste it. I’ll help weed and plant flowers.”
    Edward threw back his head and laughed.
    â€œI can see your visit is going to be the best thing that’s happened around here for a long time.” Then he patted his stomach. “That was delicious. Usually I eat a bowl of dry cereal.” He rose. “And now, are you ready for your tour of the zoo?”
    â€œI’m ready!” Benny said promptly, jumping up from the table.
    â€œI think we all are,” Grandfather Alden said. “Lead the way, Edward.”
    And so on a beautiful morning with the sun streaming through the leaves, they walked to Marlow’s Zoo.
    Going through the iron-grilled gates, they walked down a tree-lined path. Birds