Mystery at the Alamo Read Online Free PDF Page B

as she clapped her hands. “Break time is over. Let’s make a movie here! This is an easy scene for you all to do,” Amy explained to the children. “You’re going to stroll down the street like you’re tourists.”
    “Which most of us are,” Henry added.
    “That’s right,” Amy said. “When you see Claire, smile and wave at her. Then come back over here. Claire is going to talk about the number of tourists that visit San Antonio and the Alamo each year. Does anyone have any questions?”

    “No,” Henry said. “We understand what we’re supposed to do.”
    “Good,” Amy said. “You’re all doing a great job.”
    As the group walked toward the set, a loud screech came from the stage.
    “What in the world?” Amy said as she ran with the children in the direction of the screaming.
    Mary Jenkins was on the ground crawling around the hem of Claire’s wide skirt. Claire was jumping up and down, screaming.
    “Help me! Help me!” Claire said as she climbed up on a chair.
    “What is it?” Amy shouted.
    “What’s wrong, Claire?” Violet asked.
    “A r-r-rat is loose in here,” Claire said.
    Finally Mary stood up. She was holding the tail of a squirming white mouse.
    “I hate rats,” Claire said. “Get that thing away from me!”
    “Now, Claire, it’s just a little mouse,” Mary said. She gently cupped her hand over it.
    “Let me have it,” said Roger Martin, calmly walking over. “I’ll take it to the park.” He found a box with a lid and placed the mouse inside.
    Claire looked embarrassed. “I’m sorry — it was silly to get so upset. Oh, dear, look at me. . . .”
    Claire had ripped one sleeve of her costume and torn the hem out of her dress. Her wig had come loose and hung untidily around her shoulders. Her face was red and beaded with sweat.
    “Oh, my,” Mary said as she examined Claire’s dress. “This costume will have to be repaired before it can be worn again.”
    “Claire,” Amy said. “I know you’re upset, but we’ll have to go on without you. I can’t afford any more delays. I’ll just have to give your lines to Roger and Janice.”
    “I understand,” Claire said sadly. She left the stage and ran toward her trailer.
    Roger smiled. “After I get rid of this mouse, I’ll be right back.”
    “Did you see that?” Jessie whispered to Henry.
    “Roger Martin seemed awfully happy when he found out he was getting some of Claire’s lines.”
    “And he didn’t look surprised when the mouse was captured, either,” Henry replied.
    “Do you think he put the mouse in here on purpose?” Jessie asked.
    “I don’t know,” Henry said. “But I think we should keep an eye on him.”
    “I wonder where Janice is,” Violet whispered. “She’s usually around when we’re going to film.”
    “That is unusual,” Jessie said.
    “I think Benny, Antonio, and I should follow Roger at lunchtime today,” Henry said.
    “What about our lunch?” Benny asked.
    “Don’t worry, Benny,” Henry said. “We’ll get some sandwiches and take them with us.”
    “That’s a good idea,” said Jessie. “Violet and I will keep an eye on Janice and Claire, even though I don’t see how Claire could have anything to do with this.”
    “I hope not,” Violet said. “I really like Claire.”
    Janice appeared on the set a few minutes before the filming started. Roger followed soon afterward. There were no accidents as they said their lines. The children did their parts perfectly.
    “Okay! Cut!” Amy said. “Wonderful job, everyone! Let’s go to lunch.”
    “It’s about time some professional actors got to work around here,” Roger said to Janice.
    Violet and Jessie, who were standing nearby, exchanged glances.
    As soon as they could leave without being noticed, Henry, Benny, and Antonio followed Roger Martin.
    Jessie and Violet followed Janice. “It looks like she’s going into Amy’s trailer,” Jessie said.
    The girls ducked behind the edge of the trailer. Janice knocked on