The Attack of the Aqua Apes by R.L. Stine Page B

moon—with a big crater in the center of it.
    Next, Glen pulled out some aqua ape food and the package of magic crystals. It was smaller than a packet of sugar.
    This is going to be a total failure, Scott thought to himself. Then he asked, “How big are the ape things supposed to get anyway?”
    Glen flipped through the instructions. “It says that happy, healthy adult aqua apes can grow up to half an inch long.”
    â€œA half an inch?” Scott moaned. “The ones in the ad were monsters.”
    â€œThe instructions say we need distilled water,” Glen said, continuing to read. “Got any?”
    â€œNo,” Scott answered. “And I am not going to spend any more money to buy some either.”
    â€œThen you’re not going to grow any aqua apes,” Glen informed him. “Because it says right here that you have to use distilled water.”
    â€œI have a better idea,” Scott said, suddenly feeling more enthusiastic. “Let’s go down to the Fear Street Woods and scoop some water from the lake.”
    â€œAre you crazy?” Glen exclaimed. “Haven’t you heard about the gross things that live inFear Lake? I know a guy who drank some of the lake water on a dare—he had to go in the hospital. Who knows what we’ll get if we use that water?”
    â€œExactly!” Scott smiled his mad scientist smile. “Who knows what we’ll get!”

3

    T he moment Scott came to the end of Park Drive, his heart started to beat a little faster. With just one step he would cross the imaginary safety line into dangerous territory—Fear Street.
    Even in the middle of the day, Fear Street was dark and scary. Enormous old trees lined both sides of the street. And as the sunlight tried to sneak between some of the huge branches, it cast strange shadows on the ground below. Shadows that looked like they could swallow you up.
    Once you’ve walked down Fear Street , Scott thought, you know all the creepy stories you’ve heard about it are true.
    â€œThe adventure is about to begin!” Scott announced to Glen. He took a deep breath and started toward the Fear Street Woods. They were creepier than Fear Street. Scarier, too.
    The trees in the woods grew thick and gnarled—with black twisted branches that seemed to reach out. Reach out to strangle you.
    Glen hesitated.
    â€œWell, are you coming, or what?”
    â€œThis is a really stupid idea,” Glen replied.
    â€œIt is not. You’re just chicken,” Scott taunted. Then he started flapping his arms and squawking at Glen. “Bawk, bawk, bawk!”
    â€œI am not chicken,” Glen insisted.
    â€œThen come on.”
    â€œThere.” Glen stepped into the woods. “Are you happy now?”
    â€œThis way.” Scott pointed to the path ahead. The path that led directly to Fear Lake. “We’d better hurry. These woods get real dark, real early.”
    As they followed the trail, Scott noticed how quiet the woods were. He couldn’t hear any birds chirping or bugs humming. Or any sound of life at all. Creepy. Really creepy.
    Scott kept his eyes glued to the trail. He had tomake sure they stayed on the right path. No way was he getting lost in the Fear Street Woods.
    â€œCan we hurry it up?” Glen asked. He followed Scott so closely that he stepped on the back of one of his sneakers.
    â€œDo you have to walk on top of me?” Scott complained, yanking his sneaker back up. “The lake’s right through there,” he added, pointing straight ahead. “Relax.”
    â€œI’m telling you, this is a big mistake,” Glen muttered as they reached the muddy banks of the lake.
    â€œJust give me the tank,” Scott ordered.
    Glen pulled the little plastic tank out of his backpack and shoved it into Scott’s hands.
    Scott pulled off the top and handed it to Glen. Then he stepped up to the edge of the lake and dipped the open tank