The Statue Walks at Night by Joan Lowery Nixon Read Free Book Online Page A

does his cane have to do with it?”
    â€œIt’s probably hollow. Mr. Vanstedder lied about having an accident. He knew that everyone would get used to seeing him walk with a cane. If he took the art from the statue, rolled it tightly, and hid it inside the cane, he could walk right out of the museum with it.”
    Brian studied the photo again. “But you took a picture showing his cane far from his desk.”
    â€œWhy would he care?” Sean asked. “I’m just a kid.”
    â€œSure, you’re a kid,” he said, “but your dad is investigating this case.”
    â€œYeah!” Sean said. “And if Dad saw the photo of the cane so far from the desk, he’d figure things out. I bet that idea scared Mr. Vanstedder.”
    â€œWhich means he’ll probably try to get the stolen art out of the museum as soon as possible. Like tonight.”
    â€œHow’s he going to do it?”
    â€œI’m not sure exactly,” Brian answered. “But however he plans to do it, he’ll have only a few minutes between the time the museum closes and when Mr. Potts begins to make his nightly check of the rooms. We need to get to the museum before it closes so we can stop him!”

CHAPTER NINE

    F IFTEEN MINUTES BEFORE CLOSING time, Brian and Sean slipped inside the museum in the middle of a noisy family group and followed it into the nearest art gallery.
    â€œI thought we were going to the Egyptian room,” Sean mumbled.
    â€œWe are, but not right now.” Brian smiled. “I don’t think Mr. Potts noticed us, so that means when the museum closes he won’t come looking for us.”
    Sean shuddered. “You’re kidding, aren’t you? We aren’t going to be here in the dark.”
    â€œIt won’t be completely dark,” Brian said. “Haven’t you ever noticed that the museum keeps dim night-lights on? Besides, you don’t really believe Sam’s story about the statue, do you?”
    â€œMr. Marshall said it was true.”
    â€œHe did not,” Brian said. “He said only that he knew about the legend.”
    â€œBut what if the statue does walk?” Sean said. “We’ll be trapped in here all alone with it.”
    â€œWould you quit worrying about the dumb statue,” Brian said.
    â€œCan’t we just tell Mrs. Gomez what we suspect?” Sean asked.
    â€œMr. Vanstedder could just deny it,” Brian said. “We won’t have proof of what he’s going to do until he does it.”
    â€œI don’t know,” Sean said.
    â€œWe’ve practically got this case solved,” Brian said impatiently. “Do you want to help or don’t you?”
    â€œOK, OK,” Sean said.
    Studying the paintings and trying not to look suspicious, Brian and Sean slowly worked their way to the next-to-last gallery, ducked out the door, and entered the darkened lecture hall.
    After they had been waiting a few minutes, a bell rang.
    â€œThe bell means the museum is closing,” Brian told Sean. “There’ll be an announcement over the public-address system next. It will be a while before George Potts makes his rounds and clears everyone out.”
    â€œWhat am I supposed to do until then?” Sean asked. He didn’t enjoy hiding out in the dark.
    â€œI don’t know,” said Brian. “Why not try dreaming about your girlfriend, Debbie Jean Parker,” he teased.
    â€œShe’s not my girlfriend!” hissed Sean.
    â€œSssh,” said Brian suddenly. “I heard something.”
    Brian cracked the door open an inch and heard Mrs. Gomez. “George, after you’ve locked the doors and made your rounds, will you please join us in my office?”
    â€œJust give me fifteen minutes,” George called back.
    â€œSo far so good,” Brian said. “Let’s go to the Egyptian room, hide under the mummy case, and wait for Mr.