The Black Widow Spider Mystery Read Online Free PDF

that surrounded the Blackwells’ property.
    Henry studied the side of the house. On the first floor was a long row of windows. “That must be the room down the hallway where Mr. Blackwell works,” he said to himself. The shades on the windows were drawn, but the lights inside were on. Henry could see the shadow of someone moving around inside.
    Henry looked at his clock. It was nine o’clock and Mr. Blackwell was still at work. That seemed unusual. Grandfather sometimes worked late, but he was usually finished before nine. “I wonder what kind of work Mr. Blackwell does,” Henry wondered aloud. He pulled the shade down firmly.
    Henry put on his pajamas and brushed his teeth. Checking the window again, he saw that Mr. Blackwell’s light was still on. He slid into bed and picked up his book. After reading a chapter, Henry sat up and peeked out the window. The light was still shining. Henry closed his book and turned off his lamp. “Tomorrow we’ll go back to the Blackwells’,” he murmured sleepily. “Tomorrow we’ll find some answers.”
    Several hours later, Henry woke up with a jolt. A noise outside had awakened him. It came again — a long, mournful howl.
    Henry gasped as his bedroom door suddenly swung open. Then he relaxed. It was Violet.
    â€œDid you hear that noise outside?” Violet asked softly.
    Henry nodded. The howl came again. “I think it’s a cat,” he said.
    â€œDo you think it’s hurt?” Violet asked, sounding worried. She walked over to the window next to Henry’s bed and lifted the shade. The two children peered out into the dark yard, trying to see the cat. “I don’t see anything,” said Violet.
    â€œI do,” Henry replied. “Look.” He pointed to the Blackwells’ house. The house was dark except for the light coming through one window on the first floor. Behind the drawn window shade was the shadow of a person.
    â€œI think that’s Mr. Blackwell’s study,” Henry told Violet. “He’s been up working all night.”
    Violet’s eyes popped open in surprise. She glanced at Henry’s alarm clock. “But it’s three o’clock in the morning!” she said. “What could he be working on at this hour?”
    Henry shook his head and settled back into bed. “I don’t know, Violet,” he said. “But we’re good detectives. Maybe we can find out tomorrow.”
    The next day, as the Aldens walked to the Blackwells’ house, Henry and Violet told the others about seeing Mr. Blackwell working all night.
    â€œWow, they keep some late hours,” said Jessie.
    â€œWhatever their secret mission is, it must be super urgent,” Benny said, sounding excited.
    They were approaching the Blackwells’ fence when a white car pulled up to the curb ahead of them. A man got out of the car and stepped out onto the sidewalk. He had dark, wavy hair and a small, well-trimmed beard. The man was holding a large piece of paper and looking up and down the street.
    â€œI wonder if that man’s lost,” said Violet. “It looks as if he’s checking a map.”
    When the Aldens reached the man, Henry said, “Excuse me, do you need help?”
    The man looked startled. He quickly rolled up the paper and tucked it under his arm. Turning to face the children, he smiled broadly. “Hello!”
    â€œWe saw you were looking at a map,” Jessie said. “Perhaps we can help you. We live around here.”
    â€œA map?” The man looked confused. Then he seemed to understand. He waved the rolled-up paper under his arm. “Oh, yes, this.” He shook his head. “No, I’m not lost, but thanks for offering.” He put out his hand to shake Henry’s. “I’m Joe Toll.”
    â€œHello,” said Henry. “I’m Henry Alden. These are my sisters and brother.”
    â€œYou said you live