Jessie raced through the milling crowd to Al Conrads booth. A woman with blond hair was talking seriously to Al. A flat, newspaper-wrapped bundle was tucked under one arm. The woman had on stretch pants and heavy boots, just like the boots that one o...
The sun was barely over the rooftops when the Aldens set out for Hartford. Mrs. McGregor sent them off with a goody bag filled with on-the-road snacks. Two and a half hours later, Grandfather pulled their car into the entrance to the Century Hotel. T...
Grandfather on the open door of the boxcar. You have a visitor, he announced. Violet looked up from her drawing. Hi, Grandfather. Who is it? Grandfather came inside, allowing Sid Hoyt to step into the boxcar behind him. Sid Hoyt greeted the children...
Who is he? Henry asked Jessie. Benny noticed the way the man strolled, as if he had all the time in the world. He was the guy in the Captain Fantastic suit at the antiques show! he said. Remember, I said he was too slow to be Captain Fantastic? Viole...
By the time Sid dropped the children off, dark clouds had gathered and it had begun to rain. The kids dashed into the house and straight into the kitchen, laughing and shaking off raindrops. Mrs. McGregor was waiting for them with a napkin-covered ba...
Hes here! Benny said excitedly, letting the curtain drop back from the living room window. He had been watching for Sid to arrive since breakfast. Benny, said Mrs. McGregor. Its not polite to press your nose against the window. The housekeeper straig...
But why? asked Benny, shocked. Sid had been so nice, giving them lunch and everything. Why would he refuse to sign their comic book? Because, stated Sid Hoyt, your comic is a fake. I didnt draw it. Jessie gasped. A fake! Are you sure? Positive. Wait...
The next morning the Alden children caught the first bus to Putnam. Thirty minutes later, they climbed off in Putnams bus station. Henry had brought a map. After consulting it, he said, Oak Tree Circle isnt too far from here. We can walk. It had rain...
Do you have a green cape? Benny asked Mrs. McGregor. The housekeeper looked at Benny who was wearing a purple T-shirt that belonged to Violet. The shirt came down to his knees. Im afraid not, she told him. But I have a green scarf. Will that do? With...
Six-year-old Benny Alden put down the Captain Fantastic comic book with a satisfied sigh. That was cool, he said. Especially when Captain Fantastic jumped over a building to catch the bad guys. It was a good story wasnt it? said ten-year-old Violet....