Mystery of the Missing Cat Read Online Free PDF Page A

jogging so I can stay in shape!”
    â€œSo you don’t want to help us?” cried Benny.
    Shaking her head, Whitney jogged quickly away.
    â€œShe doesn’t believe us, does she,” said Violet. “She doesn’t believe we’ll find Spotzie. But we will!”
    More determined than ever, the Aldens continued on their way to Professor Madison’s.
    This time, they had to wait and wait before the professor finally opened her front door. She frowned when she saw them.
    â€œWhat are you doing here?” she asked impatiently.
    â€œWe’re bringing your cat back,” Henry explained. “This isn’t Spotzie.”
    The professor stepped back as if she might close the door. But Henry put his hand on the door and stopped her.
    â€œThere must be some mistake,” said Professor Madison.
    â€œNo, look. We have a picture of Spotzie now.” Violet held the picture out, but Professor Madison didn’t even glance at it.
    â€œEven if it isn’t your cat, you can keep her in place of Spotzie,” said Professor Madison.
    â€œBut Mr. Woods doesn’t want her. He wants his own cat. He wants Spotzie,” Violet said.
    â€œDo you have any other lost cats?” asked Benny.
    â€œNo! And I especially don’t have a cat that looks like your cat. Go away! Now!” And with that, Professor Madison slammed the door!
    For the second time that day, the four Alden children were left staring at a closed door.
    â€œWhat’s wrong with Professor Madison?” asked Benny. “Why doesn’t she want this cat?”

    â€œI don’t know,” said Jessie. “And how does she know she doesn’t have a cat that looks like Spotzie when she wouldn’t even look at the picture?”
    â€œI don’t know,” said Henry. “I guess we’ll have to take this cat home with us.” Carrying the cat, he led the way back to the bicycles and the Aldens headed slowly home.
    â€œIt’s a good thing it’s not as hot today as it was the day that man followed us,” said Violet as they rode their bicycles through town.
    Jessie nodded. But she was thinking of something else. Suddenly she said, “Who was that man who followed us, anyway? Do you think it was Mr. Jones, the man who called about the lost cat?”
    â€œIt could be,” said Henry. “But why? Why is he so interested in a lost cat? And what has that got to do with Spotzie?”
    â€œCould he have had something to do with Spotzie’s disappearing?” asked Violet.
    â€œDo you think he stole her?” asked Benny.
    â€œI don’t know.” Jessie shook her head. “But even if he did, why is he looking for her now? And why was he following us?”
    â€œAnd what about Professor Madison? Why is she acting so weird?” wondered Henry. “And how does she know what Spotzie looks like?”
    The Aldens thought and thought, but they still hadn’t come up with any answers by the time they’d reached home.
    When the Aldens brought the little cat home, Watch was very interested. He tried to get close to her, but she arched her back and hissed at him. That made Watch bark. The cat jumped up on a bookcase, turned her back on Watch, and began to wash her paw.
    â€œOh, Watch,” said Benny. “She doesn’t want to be your friend.”
    But in spite of what Benny said, Watch stayed and watched the little cat for a long time. Violet put a bowl of food and water on top of the refrigerator where Watch couldn’t reach it. Watch was very surprised when the cat jumped up there easily and began to eat her food. That made Watch bark again.
    â€œHere, Watch,” said Benny, and gave him a dog biscuit. Watch took it, gave the little cat one last curious look, and then trotted away.
    â€œTomorrow let’s go over and talk to Dr. Scott again. Maybe she can help us,” suggested Jessie.
    â€œGood idea,” said Henry.
    Just then