Stranger and Stranger Read Online Free PDF

built a nice makeshift ladder on the O’Donnells’ side so I could climb the fence, which really is unusually high; and then Mystery charged up it before I could even step on the first rung, so I let her do her thing; but when she got near the top, she slowed way down and her whiskers vibrated and she started hissing, which told me there was some kind of alarm system to disarm first.
    So, this is a little bit embarrassing to write, but I actuallyspent a good FIFTEEN MINUTES or so just LOOKING for the stupid alarm system, and when it didn’t turn up, had to move on to Plan B and install some polythermal-shielded ceramic discs on the fence boards where I intended to make my entry. Luckily that did the trick, and I was over in no time.
    I had just shimmied down the fence, and right away this massive slavering German shepherd/St. Bernard/grizzly bear was there threatening to amputate something for me. Cats bailed right away, and who can blame them? Luckily I’d had the foresight to tie a bungee cord around my waist and hitch it to a nearby tree, so I was able to scramble up out of reach of his ghastly snapping jaws without losing any precious flesh.
    So, here I am, hanging out in this tree plotting my next move. The cats are standing in the O’Donnells’ backyard looking up at me with their sympathetic “humans are awfully dumb” look, and I know they think I should give this one up and make us a nice safe route from the O’Donnells’ to the Martins’ instead. But I don’t think I can let this yard go quite so easily. It’s HUGE, and most of it seems to be an awe-inspiring obstacle course full of bizarre terrain and equipment. Get the dog out of the picture, and I could have a LOT of fun here.

    According to my notes from the other day, the name on the mailbox at this house is “Venus Fang Fang.” For reals!!!!!! Cannot wait to see what SHE looks like.
    Dogbeast is not leaving the tree. If anything, he is getting more frantic that I’m still here. Am a little concerned he may start barking and I will soon find out what Venus Fang Fang looks like when she’s yelling at intruders.
    OK. Am bungeeing to safety in the Martins’ yard. Will come back when I have a plan.
    Later—back at home
    For once, Raven has not been up to any trouble while I was out and about, for the simple reason that I left her locked in the antique birdcage with a strict command not to leave it until I returned. I will just have to keep her caged from now on when I’m not around to supervise.
    Have reflected that it’s a good thing Mom can’t (doesn’t) keep ME caged when she’s not around to supervise!
    Later
    Raven and I have finally (FINALLY) finished painting Great-Aunt Millie’s attic white. I can’t say I don’t like it. Even if I prefer the attics we leave dark and dusty. This room has a certain expanding effect I don’t really feel in my all-black, comfortably cluttered room.
     
    Why white paint???
     
    Anyway, the best part is that it’s DONE. YESSS! I can now get back to work on the duplication device. Have visited junk shop/hardware store Dumpster for supplies, unpacked radiac abrasive lightning rod, dismantled my Popsicle-stick prototype, and am now hard at work building Duplicator 2.0. Some progress, but not as much as I’d hoped. Have been sitting here running simulations on the Oddisee for a couple of hours, and I’m pretty sure I’ve figured out how to make good 3-D replicas of pretty much anything, as long as it’s not alive. It’s the little problem of duplicating living stuff that is still unsolved.
    Am feeling very motivated to figure this out. This is going to be the most amazing Master Prank I’ve ever pulled off!!! Am also feeling the need to duplicate Raven. That way I can keep a spare hidden in our basement, in case something ever happens to the original. Would not put it past Silifordville to incarcerate my golem!

    Later
    Am being distracted from duplication project by funneee photoscoming through on