The Disappearing Friend Mystery Read Online Free Page B

worriedly.
    â€œMaybe,” said Henry. “If he were around, we could ask.”
    But they didn’t see anybody near the truck, so they kept on walking toward the bicycle shop, forgetting about Charlie the Fix-it Man.
    When they reached the shop, they parked their bikes outside.
    â€œWhy don’t all of you take Benny’s bike inside and pump up the tires,” Henry said. “I’ll wait here and keep an eye on our bikes, just in case!”

CHAPTER 6
    Paint Footprints
    T he next morning was bright and sunny. The old boxcar seemed almost to shine as the Alden children walked toward it, carrying the new art supplies. Watch barked and pranced happily alongside.
    â€œWe’ll have plenty of time to make posters today,” said Violet as she led the way into the old boxcar. She looked around. It was a comfortable place to be, friendly and full of good memories.
    Jessie began to arrange the new supplies neatly on the table.
    â€œI’ll fill the old pitcher with water,” said Benny. He took the white pitcher off the shelf. Violet had found it in the dump when they lived in the boxcar.
    â€œThat’s a very good idea, Benny,” said Henry.
    So Benny went to get water for the watercolors with Watch following friskily at his heels.
    â€œIt won’t matter that we didn’t get to make posters yesterday,” said Henry. “We can make twice as many today.”
    When Benny and Watch got back with the water, Henry, Jessie, and Violet had already settled down around the table.
    â€œHere’s a place for you, Benny,” said Violet. “I’ve put a poster board out for you and a pencil so you can draw your design first.”
    â€œWill you write the words for me?” Benny asked Violet as he slid into his seat.
    â€œOf course I will,” said Violet. “Just tell me what you want to say.”
    â€œI’ll have to think about that,” said Benny. He paused, then added, “It will probably make me hungry soon.”
    â€œOh, Benny. We just had breakfast.” Jessie laughed.
    The Aldens got to work. They had made several posters when Beth appeared in the doorway of the boxcar. She was holding Mr. Alden’s old shirt, neatly washed and folded. She had on her own old clothes today—cutoff jeans and a faded blue work shirt.
    â€œHi, Beth,” said all the Aldens.
    â€œHi,” said Beth cheerfully.
    â€œI’ll take the shirt to Mrs. McGregor,” said Benny, jumping up.
    â€œI can do that, Benny,” Beth said.
    â€œThat’s okay,” answered Benny. “Mrs. McGregor might have some biscuits left over from breakfast.”
    Everyone laughed as Benny hurried back to the house.
    â€œOh, look!” Beth looked at all the posters the children had already made. They were lined up neatly around the room to dry. “These are wonderful.” She turned to the Aldens and smiled. “I’ll have to get started!”
    Rolling up her sleeves, and grabbing a paintbrush, Beth sat down at the table. Soon she had finished her first poster and had started on her second one.
    â€œYou’re an excellent artist, Beth,” said Henry, admiring the neat drawing of a girl walking a dog. “That looks just like Jessie.”
    â€œIt’s supposed to,” Beth said, looking pleased.
    â€œAnd that’s Watch!” exclaimed Jessie, happily.
    â€œYes, it is!” Beth nodded. Her smile became a huge grin. “This is so much fun. I thought when we moved it would be hard to make new friends. But it hasn’t been hard at all. You’re all so nice and friendly.”
    Henry suddenly got up and went to the door. “Benny hasn’t come back yet. Do you think he found some biscuits?”
    â€œProbably!” said Jessie. “I could use a break, too.”
    â€œI know!” said Violet excitedly. “Let’s each take a poster in and show it to Grandfather.”
    â€œWe can have a