The Secret Chicken Society by Judy Cox Read Free Book Online

sighed and started up the tree. But every time he got within reach, Peepers flew higher. Finally Daniel was on the same level as Peepers. “Come here,” he whispered. “Come on. Come to Daniel. Pretty Peepers. Nice chicken.”
    Peepers cocked his head. He eyed Daniel suspiciously. His red comb flopped over to one side. He edged away. Daniel stretched out his hand, but he couldn’t quite reach.
    It was nearly dark. Daniel could see Peepers in the twilight. He looked quite pleased with himself.
    â€œBedtime!” Dad called from the house. Emmy trotted inside.
    â€œBetter come down,” said Kelsey. “We can try again tomorrow.” She followed Emmy inside.
    Down below, the house windows glowed like lanterns in the blue dusk. Daniel gave up. He climbed partway down. His shirt filled with twigs. He got one long, red scratch on his arm. He jumped the last few feet and brushed a spider web out of his hair.
    Above him, Peepers stretched his neck and crowed. To Daniel’s ears it sounded like the mocking cry of a warrior after beating his enemy. Daniel glared at his pet. Then he shrugged and went inside.
    That night he made a final entry in his journal.
Mission: Unaccomplished
.

Chapter 10
HEN PARTY

    Daniel couldn’t get to sleep. First he was too hot. So he kicked off his covers. Then he was too cold. So he pulled them up. Finally he fell asleep. He dreamed there was a fire. He could hear the sirens. When he woke up, there were no sirens. Only Peepers crowing loudly from the tree.
    Daniel groaned. He opened his eyes. It was barely light! He knew he should try to get his pet to shut up. But he couldn’t make himself get out of bed. He jammed his pillow over his head.
    The next time Daniel woke up, sunlight streamed through his curtains. He’d slept in. The doorbell rang. Daniel rubbed his eyes.
    Daniel heard voices from the hall. He put on hisglasses and padded out in his pajamas to see what was going on.
    Dad stood at the open door. Tyler, Emmy, and Kelsey gathered around. Kelsey looked scared. Emmy hid behind Dad, clutching her stuffed lion. Tyler was eating a banana. Mom was already at work.
    Two police officers stood at the door. Both wore blue uniforms. One officer was tall and thin. The other was short and stout.
Here is my handle, here is my spout
, thought Daniel. He pushed the thought away. This was no time for nursery songs.
    â€œWhat’s going on?” Daniel asked. “Is something wrong?”
    The stout officer looked at Dad. “We’ve had a complaint about a rooster. Crowing. Disturbing the peace. Do you have a rooster?”
    Dad shook his head. “Five hens,” he said.
    The short officer nodded. “Hens aren’t a problem, but roosters are illegal in the city.”
    Daniel swallowed. “If somebody has a rooster, what happens?”
    The stout officer didn’t smile. “The owner has fourteen days to get rid of it. If the rooster isn’t removed, we are authorized to seize it.”

    â€œAnd do what?” asked Daniel. But in his heart he knew. He knew what happened to stray dogs and cats if no one gave them a home.

    The Secret Chicken Society met in the tree house right after breakfast. “I’ll bet it was Mr. Grafalo who complained,” said Kelsey.
    â€œGrumpy Mr. Gruffalo,” said Emmy.
    â€œHe was always grouchy,” said Daniel slowly. “But I think he’s gotten worse since Mrs. G. had to go live at Willowdale.”
    â€œMaybe he misses her,” said Kelsey. “I miss her.”
    â€œMe too,” said Emmy. “But if you ask me, Mr. Gruffalo is still a big buffalo!”
    The hens were in the yard, pecking in the weeds. Peepers had come down from the tree. He stood watch near the hens. Suddenly he fluffed out his feathers and beat the air with his wings.
Squawk! Squawk!
An orange streak shot under the fence. Poison!
    â€œNice,” said Kelsey. “He does his