Mystery of the Mixed-Up Zoo

by Charles Tang

  CHAPTER 7

  Too Hot, Too Cold

  The next day was calm at the zoo. Maybe, Jessie thought, the strange things happening to the animals had stopped.

  On the afternoon of the second peaceful day, Benny said, “Let’s read our books.”

  “That would be fun,” Violet said. “I’m almost finished reading the mystery I brought with me and I’m eager to see how it ends.”

  So they went outside and Henry spread out two blankets. There was only one tree in Edward’s backyard, but it was a large apple tree and heavy with apples.

  It was pleasant to enjoy the shade on such a warm day, to eat crisp apples, and to read.

  At last they closed their books and folded their blankets. When they decided to visit the zoo, it was almost closing time.

  Going through the gate, they found David. He was giving Joe, the elephant, a bath. “Hi, Aldens,” he called with a smile, then returned to his work.

  Joe patiently allowed David to use a brush to scrub him. Making wide soapy circles in the elephant’s leathery hide, David soon covered Joe in white.

  “Watch this,” David said, chuckling and picking up a hose. “He loves his shower!” He sprayed the elephant, causing the soap to run down Joe’s sides in white streams. Joe lifted his trunk and trumpeted his pleasure.

  At last David coiled up the hose and came over to lean on the fence. “What did you do today?” he asked.

  “Most of the day we read and ate apples,” Benny said, grinning.

  David nodded. “That sounds like a perfect afternoon. Second only to working here with the animals.”

  “David,” Henry asked, growing serious, “what do you think of what’s been happening at the zoo?”

  Frowning, David shook his head. “I wish I knew what was going on. If these awful things don’t stop, I’m afraid Edward might lose the zoo.” He paused. “I noticed Helen Brooks here again yesterday. She asked me a lot of questions, but I didn’t give her any information that would hurt Edward.”

  “Good!” Jessie said. “I know she’s waiting for a chance to find out something really damaging.”

  “I saw Pat talking to her,” David said, “but I know she didn’t give her any news, either.”

  I hope not, Jessie thought.

  “Has anyone else been around asking questions?” Violet asked.

  David shrugged. “Not that I noticed. I only work three days a week in the summer.” He smiled. “I’d like to work with the animals every day. Someday,” he announced, “I’m going to be a zookeeper.”

  “That would be a great job, David,” Benny said. “Maybe I’ll be one, too.”

  “We could work at the same zoo, Benny,” David said, teasing. “Well,” he sighed, “I’d like to stay and talk but I’d better get back to work. Pat wants me to check out the brown bears.”

  The Aldens strolled over to the leopards and watched a baby leopard playing with its mother.

  Four chimes sounded. The zoo was closing. One boy, sitting on his father’s shoulders watching the beavers, cried, “I don’t want to leave.”

  “We’ll come back, son,” the father reassured him.

  A man pushed a wheelchair before him. In the chair was an elderly woman with a lovely smile on her face.

  Yes, Henry thought. Edward’s zoo had to stay open. It gave so much enjoyment to so many different kinds of people.

  In the morning the children planned to go to the zoo early. Edward was opening up that day and Pat was coming in later. They wanted their afternoon free, as Grandfather was taking them to a movie, then out for ice cream.

  As soon as they entered the zoo’s gates, they knew something was wrong. Going by the lions, they noticed how restless they were and how they paced back and forth, shaking their manes.

  Hurriedly they followed Edward to the Bird House. “Let’s see how our tropical friends are doing,” Edward said, opening the door.

  The macaw screeched, and the green parrot scolded, but on the whole the birds were unusually quiet. Many were hunched over and didn’t move.

  “Oh,” Jessie cried, grabbing her arms, “it’s cold in here!”

  “I’m cold, too,” Benny exclaimed.

  “The heat’s off!” Edward shouted, racing to the opposite wall and checking the thermometer. Immediately he turned up the heat, and when he faced them, an angry expression crossed his face.

  “These birds could have died!” he said, his face red with fury. Helplessly he threw out his hands. “Let’s check the others.”

  Sure enough, the brown bears from Alaska were slumped against the rocks, panting. The air-conditioning in their glassed-in area had been turned off.

  Edward raced from one animal house to another, raising low temperatures and lowering high temperatures. The Aldens helped by bringing water to animals that were lying down, too uncomfortable to move.

  At last all the animals had been checked, and when they were at ease again, the children relaxed, too.

  “Maybe we should face Helen Brooks and ask her to leave the zoo alone!” Violet exclaimed.

  “Not yet,” Jessie cautioned. “If she isn’t the one doing these things, she’d just love to hear about them.”

  “The best thing to do is keep our eyes open, and if we see anything suspicious, tell Edward,” Henry advised.

  “I hate to sit here and wait for things to happen,” Violet said.

  “It’s the only thing we can do right now,” Jessie admitted. “I don’t like it any better than you do.”

  “Let’s go home,” Henry said. “We can’t do any more here. Edward is in the Bird House and Pat will be coming soon.”

  As they left, a black car sped away.

  “Who was that?” Benny said. “He was speeding!”

  “Doesn’t Helen Brooks have a black car?” Jessie asked.

  “Yes,” Violet responded quietly. “Was she spying again?”

  Henry shook his head. “I don’t think so. A man was behind the wheel.”

  Puzzled, they glanced at one another. The mystery was becoming deeper and deeper.

  CHAPTER 8

  Who Is Guilty?

  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 streami
ng 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.

  CHAPTER 9

  Where’s Amos?

  “That was a delicious dinner,” Edward said, leaning back and patting his stomach.

  “Are we going to finish our game of chess?” Grandfather asked.

  Edward pushed back his chair. “Afraid not, James. I’m too tired, and I have to be wide awake to beat you! In fact,” he said, rising and stretching, “I’m going to bed. I need to be at the zoo bright and early.” He gave them all a half smile. “I don’t know if I’ll get much sleep, though.”

  Jessie glanced at Henry. It was too bad that Edward couldn’t sleep because of worrying. If they could only do more to help.

  They all went to bed shortly after Edward had turned in.

  Violet, however, couldn’t sleep. She gazed at the big yellow moon outside her window and hoped the animals were safe. She tossed and turned and hit her pillow. It wasn’t fair that Edward, who was such a wonderful man, had to put up with trouble at his zoo.

  At last Violet drifted off into a restless sleep. She dreamed a huge van hauled all the animals away. And when they visited the zoo, it was quiet and still. Not a bird whistled or a lion roared. Not one animal remained.

  When Violet awakened, sunlight streamed in, and she heard voices from the kitchen. Leaping out of bed, she dressed and ran downstairs.

  Jessie laughed, handing Violet a glass of orange juice. “Good morning, sleepyhead. You’re just in time for breakfast.”

  Violet smiled. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here to help.” She was glad that she had only dreamed that the animals had disappeared.

  After eating oatmeal and toast, the Aldens cleaned the kitchen, bought groceries at the store, and chatted with Grandfather, who was working in the yard.

  “How do you like t
hese red rosebushes I planted?” he asked.

  “Beautiful,” Violet said.

  “Do you want us to do anything?” Henry asked.

  “No,” Grandfather answered. “I’m happy when I can dig in the dirt.” He straightened, rubbing his back. “You run along to the zoo. I’m sure Edward needs you more than I do.”

  Suddenly, Violet stood on her tiptoes and kissed her grandfather. They were so lucky he loved them.

  So the Aldens left for the zoo, hoping there would be no more trouble. Today they’d have fun looking around.

  But when they saw Edward, he was standing by the seals with Pat, and both of them had grim faces.

  “What now!” Jessie murmured.

  “Hi, kids,” Edward called, then turned back and studied a list with Pat.

  Violet’s heart picked up a beat. Fearfully, she glanced around, but all the animals were in place and seemed happy and content.

  “You two aren’t smiling!” Benny said, not smiling himself. “Did another bad thing happen?”

  “Yes, it did,” Edward answered. “I went into the storeroom where we keep expensive animal food and diets.” He shook his head. “Most of it is missing!”

  “Oh, no,” groaned Henry.

  “Some animals,” Pat explained, her forehead wrinkling, “have special diets, others need expensive vitamins, and it’s all gone. Our storeroom was ransacked.”

  “What can we do?” Violet questioned.

  “Do you suppose your grandfather would drive you over to Bridgeport and you could pick up a few items at the pet store? Pat and I have to stay here.”

  “We’d be glad to,” Henry responded.

  “There’s no rush,” Edward said. “Enjoy the zoo this morning, and this afternoon you can buy the food.”

  “Oh, good,” Benny said. “I wanted to say hello to Amos!”

  Pat smiled and handed the list of pet foods that were needed. “I don’t know what we’d do without the Aldens,” she said, squeezing Jessie’s hand. Jessie smiled at Pat. Edward was lucky to have such a good worker. Then her smile faded. At least she thought he was. Surely Pat couldn’t be the guilty one.