All-Star Fever Read Online Free

and pulled out his
     helmet!
    “Where did you find it?” Bus cried happily. He quickly fit it onto his head and snapped the buckles under his chin.
    “I have a confession to make, too, Bus,” his mother said. “I took your helmet and hid it.”
     

     
    Bus stared.
    “The Adamses told us about your little ride in the rainstorm. When we found out you had disobeyed us so badly and then lied
     to us, too, we almost took your bike away then and there. But you’ve never deceived us before, Bus, so your father and I decided
     to test you. Would you disobey our rules again if you had the opportunity?” She thumped him on top of his head. “I guess this
     answers our question.”
    Mrs. Mercer stood up. “Now, get yourself on that bike and get over to your game! Those Mudders need their number one shortstop
     to win against the Stockade Bulls!”

9

    When Bus pedaled out of the driveway, he was grinning from ear to ear. His parents had given him a fright when they hid his
     helmet. But he guessed it was only fair. After all, he had frightened them when he didn’t come home right after practice that
     stormy day!
    Bus turned onto the bike path that wound its way past the backyards of many houses in different neighborhoods. If he hadn’t
     been in such a hurry, he would have enjoyed theway the sun shone through the trees and maybe stopped to watch a squirrel carry an acorn to its hiding place.
    But he was in a hurry. He had to get to that game on time!
    Bus pedaled furiously, harder than he ever had. The paths were all familiar now, and he sped along smoothly.
    Bowowowowowow!
    A flash of brown leapt into the path in front of Bus’s bike. Bus didn’t have time to veer to one side. With a cry, he toppled
     over and landed in a heap. His head struck the pavement and he saw stars. To make matters worse, something wet and slimy was
     licking his face.
    Bus struggled to sit up. With a grunt, he pushed away the big brown dog. “Silly mutt,” he muttered. The dog barked a few more
     times, then sat down and looked at Bus — and the bike.
    The sight that met Bus’s eyes made hisheart sink. The frame and the wheels were fine, but his chain had fallen off. Bus had no idea how to fix it. He could have
     cried.
    “Hey, kid, are you okay? Waldo! Waldo, come here, boy!”
    Both Bus and the dog looked up at the sound of the man’s voice. It was the dog’s owner. Waldo jumped up happily, tail wagging.
     Bus just sat on the pavement. He was going to be late to the game now for sure.
    “Kid, are you okay?” The man knelt down beside Bus, looking closely into his eyes.
    Bus nodded. “I’m okay, but my bike isn’t,” Bus said sadly. “And I absolutely have to make it to my baseball game on time!”
     The man helped him to his feet and picked up his bike.
    “Is that so? Well, it’s a good thing you were wearing your helmet, or you might not have made this game or any other!” the
     man said. “Now, don’t you worry. I’ve fixed a few bike chains in my time. While I fix yours,why don’t you tell me about your team and why it’s so important you make it there on time.”
    So Bus told the man all about the All-Star scouts and his hopes of playing on that special team. He told him about how his
     parents had tested him, too — and how he had passed. As he did, he suddenly realized that he felt happier than he had in days.
    Why is that?
he wondered to himself.
    A few minutes later, the bike was as good as new. Bus’s hopes soared.
    “Thanks a lot, mister!” he said. He climbed onto the bike. “I’m sorry, but I have to get going.”
    “Hold on just one second more, Bus, and let me write a note for you to give Coach Parker. Maybe he’ll understand.” The man
     took a notebook out of his breast pocket and scribbled something. Then he tore the paper off, folded it in half and handed
     it to Bus. “You just see that Coach Parker reads thatbefore he decides who’s going to be playing at shortstop today,