Mystery of the Orphan Train Read Online Free PDF

jungle,” Benny reminded them with a big smile. “I bet you can spot plenty of leopards there.”
    This made Violet think. “Wait a minute,” she said, looking over at her brothers and sister. “Where have we heard that before?”
    Jessie looked puzzled. So did Henry and Benny.
    “Oh!” Benny’s eyes widened as he suddenly caught Violet’s meaning. “That’s what Sally called the woods out back.”
    “Exactly!” Violet nodded.
    “Do you really think Thane hid a clue in the woods?” Jessie asked doubtfully.
    “It’s possible,” said Violet.
    “Even so,” Henry pointed out, “I’m not sure it’d still be there after all these years.”
    “Maybe not,” admitted Violet. “But it’s worth checking out.”
    Jessie and Henry weren’t sure about this. Still, it couldn’t hurt to take a look around the woods in the morning.

CHAPTER 6
The Jungle
    “You know, Kate,” Vanessa said at breakfast the next morning, “if it’s a check that bothers you, I can arrange to give you cash for your painting.”
    Josh was frowning at his wife. But she didn’t stop.
    “And that goes for the necklace, too, of course,” she said.
    Kate was pouring syrup over her pancakes. “You really must stop this, Vanessa,” she said.
    The professor suddenly spoke up. “Don’t be too hasty, Kate. None of us is getting any younger, right?” he said with a forced laugh. “We could all use a bit of money tucked away for our old age.”
    Jessie caught Henry’s eye. Why did Professor Brewer care about this?
    “Yes, yes, that’s worth considering!” Vanessa shot the professor a grateful smile. “A little nest egg, Kate. Isn’t that more practical than a cluttered-up house?”
    Violet didn’t like to hear this. She just had to say something. “Kate’s house isn’t filled with clutter. It’s filled with her family history.”
    Josh turned to his wife. “Violet’s right. That’s part of its charm.”
    Vanessa frowned. “Josh, please!” She looked sharply at her husband. “You’re not helping matters.”
    Kate shook her head firmly. “I won’t part with my family’s past.”
    Vanessa looked as if she wanted to argue, but she didn’t. She just shrugged a little. “Suit yourself,” she said.
    Turning to the professor, Kate added,” Thank you for your concern, Professor Brewer, but I’ll manage just fine in my old age.”
    Jessie glanced at the professor. His mouth was set in a hard, thin line.
    “I was thinking of baking this morning, Benny,” Lindsay said as she stood up to clear the table. “How does a batch of peanut-butter cookies sound?”
    Benny broke into a grin. “Sounds great!”
    “Better watch out,” Henry said, half-joking. “Cookies have a way of disappearing when Benny’s around.”
    This made Kate smile a little. “Any plans for today, kids?” she asked, pushing her chair back.
    “We thought we’d explore the jungle,” said Jessie.
    “If you don’t mind, Kate,” Violet was quick to add.
    Kate didn’t mind at all. “Just watch out for tigers and lions!” she said with a teasing twinkle in her eye.
    After helping with the dishes, the Aldens filled a thermos with pink lemonade. Then they filed out the door. “Anything unusual can be a clue,” Henry reminded his brother and sisters.
    “Thane might’ve carved something on a rock,” added Violet, “or into a tree.”
    Benny fell into step beside Henry. “And don’t forget to keep a sharp eye out for leopards.”
    Jessie couldn’t help laughing. “I doubt we’ll come across any leopards in Kansas, Benny.”
    As they followed the winding path through the woods, the four children checked every rock along the way looking for any strange markings. They inspected hollowed-out trees and looked under bushes. They searched and searched and searched. But by noon they still hadn’t found anything that would help solve the mystery.
    “I guess we’re on the wrong track,” Violet had to admit as they sat together on a fallen