The Case of the Rock 'n' Roll Dog Read Online Free PDF Page A

all the time.”
    â€œThey are usually on his head,” I said.
    â€œPlus detecting skills run in our family,” Tessa went on. “Granny used to be a cop.”
    â€œPolice officer,” I said.
    â€œWell, I could certainly use the help of skilled detectives,” said Colonel Michaels. “It’s important that I get the baton back before Saturday. Otherwise, how will I keep the beat for The Song Boys?”
    â€œWe know all about your baton,” Tessa said. “Nate wrote a report on John Philip—”
    â€œâ€”Sousa,” I said before she could get it wrong.
    â€œDid he now?” said Colonel Michaels. “And he mentioned the Sousa baton?”
    Tessa nodded. “And how the band can’t play without it.”
    Colonel Michaels shook his head. “Oh dear. That old myth.”
    â€œIt isn’t true?” I said.
    â€œNo, it’s not,” said Colonel Michaels. “Somewhere some author wrote that the Sousa baton is in regular use. And from there someone got the idea we don’t perform without it. But the fact is the Sousa baton is so valuable it’s only used for ceremonial occasions.”
    Ha!
I thought. For once our
so superior
cousin got something wrong!
    â€œThen what baton is it that’s missing?” Tessa asked.
    â€œMy own, and I want it back,” said Colonel Michaels. “Could I assign you two experienced detectives to solve the mystery?”
    â€œSure,” I said.
    â€œSure!” Tessa said. “First, we have some questions.”
    I looked over at my sister. “We do?”
    Tessa shrugged. “That’s what they say in books.”
    â€œGo ahead,” said Colonel Michaels.
    Tessa crossed her arms over her chest. “Colonel Michaels,” she said, “when did you last see the baton?”
    â€œI had it yesterday when I was directing right here in this room,” Colonel Michaels said. “Then there was the, uh . . . fracas with your dog, and we packed up in haste. I thought I had put the baton away as usual, but when I opened the case today, it was empty.”
    â€œWe’re sorry about Hooligan,” I couldn’t help saying.
    â€œYes,” said Colonel Michaels. “I know. In fact, it occurred to me he might be the culprit. Dogs and sticks, you know. With all the excitement, I easily could have set it down for him to pick up.”
    â€œThat was good thinking,” Tessa said.
    â€œThank you,” Colonel Michaels said. “Do you have more questions?”
    â€œI don’t think so,” Tessa said. “What about you, Cammie?”
    â€œHooligan couldn’t have taken the baton,” I said.
    â€œThat’s not a question,” said Tessa.
    â€œOh, sorry. But he couldn’t have. Everyone was watching when he went crazy, and after that we had him by the collar. Then Granny did. And then we took him upstairs. He never had a chance to steal anything.”
    Colonel Michaels nodded. “Yes, I see. Perhaps I was too quick to blame him.”
    â€œWe’ll find your baton, Colonel Michaels,” Tessa assured him. “We’ll even get Granny to help.”
    Colonel Michaels picked up his hat. “Thank you, girls. And good luck.”
    After that, it was time to go back upstairs. And guess where we found Hooligan?
    In his bed—relaxing like he’d been there all day!
    Tessa and I sat down on the floor beside him.
    â€œDo you realize all the trouble you caused us?” she asked.
    â€œWhere were you, anyway?” I asked.
    Hooligan looked up and thumped his tail. I think he wanted to tell us. But he couldn’t woof the words.

CHAPTER EIGHT

    MOST of the time, Nate eats with Tessa, me and Granny. But that night he was having dinner with Aunt Jen upstairs. They had something particular to talk about, Granny said. She wouldn’t tell us what, but she did say the topic had nothing to do with San Diego.
    Too