Dinosaur Stakeout Read Online Free PDF Page A

nothing lost.”
    “Sure.” Daniel cracked a smile. “I guess we can use all the help we can get.” There was plenty of work to do if they were going to uncover more sections of the fossils that they’d already found before ­fall came.
    “That’s the spirit, lad,” Pederson patted Daniel’s arm. “You can just sit back and watch the rest of us work and enjoy the ­results – ­looks like there may be plenty.”
    Pederson walked over and acknowledged the Nelwins, who were sitting morosely at the picnic ­table.
    “Are you boys ready to do some volunteer work out at the excavation site later today?”
    Instantly, their manner changed and their faces lit up with ­smiles.
    “Yeah.” Todd’s eyes ­brightened.
    Craig looked at Mr. Pederson happily. “Sure!”
    Pederson explained. “It’s not the greatest job. It’s only digging, mind, but it needs to be done so that we can get to the good stuff, but it will give you a chance to see what’s going on.”
    “We’ll be there!”
    “I’ll expect you later this afternoon, then, as soon as you’ve completed your work for Mr. Bringham. Daniel will bring you out.”
    “Okay!” Todd said with a ­smile.
    “Yes, sir!” Craig said with real ­enthusiasm.
    Pederson nodded to the Nelwins. Then he headed into the outdoor kitchen for a quick bite of lunch. The Nelwins spoke excitedly to one another in low voices. Daniel couldn’t make out what they were saying, but somehow he felt okay about Mr. Pederson giving the Nelwins an opportunity to work on the excavation and be part of the group ­excitement.
    A sudden roaring of an engine and grinding of gears turned Daniel’s attention towards the road. He watched as a creaky ’78 Mazda pickup truck with a ­well-­used topper over the box turned into their driveway. Daniel couldn’t tell at first if it was a man or a woman driving, but whoever it was, that person was alone. The truck lurched to a stop a few yards from him; its wheel wells rusted out and nothing much left of the ­fenders.
    The driver’s side door opened. First a metal cane appeared, and then a couple of long, stocky legs in baggy sweatpants. Finally, a tall older woman wearing a Tilley hat squashed onto her head ­emerged.
    “Dr. Roost!” Daniel called as he hurried to her truck. Within moments, she was surrounded by everyone in the ­yard.
    “Hello all,” Mildred Roost pushed her hat higher onto her forehead. “Came to see your new digs.” She laughed at her own pun, as she swept her cane from right to left, taking in people scattered throughout the property, doing various activities. “Looks like you’re right busy.”
    After the introductions were made, everyone tried to speak at once, but Mom broke through. “Can we offer you a drink or something to eat?”
    “A cold drink might be a good idea,” she said. “Could use a speck of shade too,” she ­added.
    As she headed towards the picnic table under the nearby tree, Daniel and Dad followed her with Cheryl in tow. The Lindstroms and Nelwins hung back, making small talk. A moment later, Ole Pederson emerged from the outdoor ­kitchen.
    “Mildred,” Mr. Pederson said, going over to shake her hand. His eyes lit up with pleasure. “How splendid to see you!”
    Mom arrived with a glass of iced tea for Mildred Roost, setting a piece of lemon pie in front of ­her.
    “Can we do anything else for you?” asked ­Dad.
    “This looks just fine!” said Dr. Roost, digging her fork into the ­meringue.
    “Are you here for a while? Do you need a place to stay?” Daniel asked, excited that she had come to see ­them.
    “Thought I’d stop for bit,” she answered, taking a sip of iced tea and sighing in contentment. “All I need is a place to squat.”
    “We have a spare room in the house,” Mom offered. “It’s a little small, but the bed is comfy.”
    Daniel could see his dad was thinking about the guesthouse at the other end of the caragana hedge, but it wasn’t quite finished yet.