The Disappearing Friend Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner Read Free Book Online

told them.
    â€œUh-oh,” said Henry. “I’m weeding Mrs. Paul’s flowerbeds tomorrow afternoon.”
    â€œAnd I’m walking the Peterson’s Great Dane,” said Jessie.
    â€œI don’t think I could baby-sit for a three-year-old by myself,” said Violet.
    They all looked at Benny. “I’m too young,” said Benny. “Aren’t I?”
    â€œI’m afraid so, Benny,” said Henry.
    â€œBeth and I could do it together,” suggested Violet.
    â€œI don’t know if we should ask her, Violet. She’s been acting awfully strange lately,” said Jessie.
    â€œI don’t think so,” said Violet stubbornly.
    â€œWell.” Henry looked thoughtful. “If the two of you were together, what could go wrong?”
    â€œThat’s true,” agreed Jessie.
    â€œGood,” said Violet. “Then I’ll call Beth and ask her.”
    Violet did just that, and Beth sounded surprised and pleased. “I’ll be there,” she assured Violet.
    Mrs. Jackson was also pleased when Jessie called her back. “I am so glad,” she told Jessie. “Your helper service is a life-saver!”
    The next day, Violet rode her bike over to the Jacksons’. The Jacksons lived on a quiet, shady street near the Aldens. The white house had cheerful blue shutters on the windows, and a big old apple tree out front. Squirrels were running around as Violet pedaled up the driveway.
    Violet propped her bicycle against the garage and turned, laughing, to watch the squirrels scampering about. Just then, Beth came riding up the driveway. She skidded to a halt and sent the squirrels scurrying away in fright.
    Violet was a little surprised, too.
    Beth put her bicycle beside Violet’s then walked with Violet up to the front door.
    â€œRight on time,” said a firm voice as the front door opened.
    â€œHello,” said Violet softly. “I’m Violet Alden, and . . . oh!”
    The woman in the door was tall and thin, and she had bright red hair. She was the angry doctor from the Greenfield Hospital!
    â€œHello,” said the woman. “I’m Dr. Jackson.”
    â€œI’m Beth Simon,” said Beth.
    Violet didn’t know quite what to say.
    As if she could understand how surprised Violet was, Dr. Jackson said, “Come on in. I had to have a baby-sitter, and I didn’t know whom to call. Then I remembered seeing your sign in the flower shop. And, for that matter, seeing the rest of your signs all over Greenfield.”
    â€œOh,” said Violet.
    â€œYour service is a good one,” said Dr. Jackson. “I don’t agree that a new hospital wing is the best idea, but it is better than nothing.” She paused and looked thoughtful. “And I admire people, especially young people, who are willing to work for something they believe in. So I decided to call you.” Dr. Jackson didn’t smile, but she didn’t look so stern now.
    â€œTh-thank you,” said Violet, still very surprised.
    â€œThis is Shirley,” said Dr. Jackson. A little girl in neat blue denim overalls, with her hair in two fat pigtails, came up to Dr. Jackson and grabbed her hand.
    Violet smiled. “Hello, Shirley.”

    Shirley looked at Violet thoughtfully. “I’m three,” she announced.
    Dr. Jackson smiled. “Shirley just had a birthday,” she explained. “Shirley, this is Beth and this is . . . ?”
    â€œViolet Alden,” said Violet.
    â€œViolet,” repeated Dr. Jackson. “They will be staying with you until I come back in a little while. Remember, I told you about that?”
    Shirley nodded solemnly.
    â€œGood,” said Dr. Jackson. “Now, Beth and Violet, here is a phone number where I can be reached if anything comes up. There’s a snack for Shirley when she gets hungry this afternoon in the kitchen—banana pudding and milk. There are other things, too, if you