Old Motel Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner Read Free Book Online

to make an honest assessment.” Glancing at the children, he again nodded coldly. Holding the door open for Kay, Mr. Smiley followed her out of the room.
    Jessie breathed a sigh of relief. “Whew,” she said. “I’m glad that’s over!”
    â€œDo you think Kay will get the loan?” Violet asked quietly.
    â€œHe looked too fussy to me,” Benny said, lifting his nose in the air, pretending to be Mr. Smiley.
    Suddenly, the rain came down in torrents. Henry rushed for a pot to place under the leak above where Benny’s bed used to be.
    Jessie took down a game from the closet shelf. “This is a good day to play Monopoly,” she said.
    â€œYes, it is,” agreed Violet. “Isn’t it nice that Kay has all kinds of games and cards for tourists to check out?”
    They played Monopoly for over an hour.
    â€œThe rain has stopped,” Jessie said.
    Henry opened the door and drops of water fell from the roof. The dark sky, however, had changed to a light gray, and in the east was a rosy-pink streak, which meant the sun might shine after all.
    â€œLet’s go for a bike ride,” Benny said eagerly, pushing the board away. “Violet won.”
    â€œOkay, Benny,” Violet answered. “We can stop at the store and buy bread.”
    They all helped to put the game back neatly.
    Henry went outside and glanced up at Kay’s house. Mr. Smiley’s car was gone. Coming back in, he said, “Let’s swing around by Kay’s and see if she was given the bank loan.”
    â€œOh, yes,” Jessie said, holding up two crossed fingers for luck. “I hope.”
    â€œAnd let’s call Grandfather,” Benny said.
    â€œOh, good, Benny,” Violet said. “We will.”
    Wheeling out the bikes from the nearby shed, they pedaled single file up the narrow path to Kay’s house.
    Kay and Aunt Jane were picking roses that grew near the house. The pink blossoms glistened with raindrops.
    Aunt Jane turned and smiled. “Hi, children. Did you sleep well last night?”
    â€œAfter Willie jumped off the roof,” Henry said, straddling his bike, “we were fine.”
    Kay laughed. “My cat likes to roam at night.”
    â€œDoes he ever!” Jessie said. “Willie’s yellow eyes gave us quite a scare.”
    â€œWe were wondering what Mr. Smiley had to say,” Violet asked shyly.
    Kay said in a deep voice like Mr. Smiley’s, “ ‘After much thought, I will recommend that you be granted a loan.’ ”
    â€œHurrah!” Benny yelled. Jessie laughed in delight at Kay’s imitation.
    Now Kay’s voice was lighthearted. “I’ve already phoned Rolf, and he’s in Lyndale right now buying shingles to patch the roof. He’s also bringing fuses. He thinks someone stole the fuses from the fuse box and that’s what made the lights go out.”
    â€œGood!” Benny said. “Now we can see, but who did it?”
    â€œI wish we knew,” Kay said. “Too many things are happening!”
    â€œWhoever it is, the person will be caught,” Violet said, trying to reassure Kay.
    â€œWhen Rolf fixes the roof, no more rain will drip on my face,” Benny said, his face brightening.
    Kay chuckled. “That’s right, Benny. No more leaks in the roof.”
    â€œMay we call Grandfather?” Jessie asked.
    â€œPlease,” Kay answered, gesturing to the phone on the desk.
    Jessie dialed the number and told Grandfather Alden what a good time they were having. Violet said hello and didn’t mention any of the mysterious goings on, for fear that he’d worry. Benny eagerly told him about the orange trees and the swimming pool.
    After each Alden had talked to Mr. Alden, Henry went over to Kay. “Could we bring you anything?” he offered. “We’re biking to the store.”

    Kay glanced at Jane, who shook her head. “I don’t think we