The Missing Mitt Read Online Free PDF Page A

had happened. But Coach Quinn wouldn’t listen.
    â€œBut, Coach Quinn, we were just trying tohelp!” cried Joe. The entire team had gathered around to see what was happening.

    â€œYou were involved with this too, Joe?” asked Coach Quinn.
    â€œYes, ma’am,” he said.
    â€œThen I’m afraid you’re going to sit out the game as well.”
    Things were going from bad to worse!

8
Triple Play
    Sidelined? In the biggest game of the year? How could this be happening? Frank couldn’t believe how bad their luck had been. He watched as another Bandit put on the catcher’s gear and the team got ready to start again. Conor Hound gave him an angry look.
    Joe tried to argue with Coach Quinn, but it was no use. Their parents came over to see what all the fuss was about.
    â€œWhat happened, Joe?” asked Mr. Hardy.
    â€œIt wasn’t our fault!” said Joe. “Frank was just trying to ask Conor about Jason’s mitt, and—”
    â€œYeah!” chimed in Frank. “And Joe was just trying to get Coach Quinn to understand, but—”
    â€œSlow down, boys,” said Mrs. Hardy.
    â€œYes,” said Mr. Hardy. “Now, start at the beginning.”
    While the Bayport Bandits tried to figure out who would fill the two new holes on the field, Frank and Joe told their parents what had happened. When they were done, Mr. Hardy shook his head.
    â€œDo you think Conor stole Jason’s mitt?” asked Mr. Hardy.
    Frank and Joe hesitated.
    â€œNo,” said Frank. “I think he’s innocent. He seems pretty upset about it. And from everything I’ve heard about him, he’s a good ballplayer. He wouldn’t need to cheat to do well.”
    â€œWell,” said Mr. Hardy. “It seems like the onlything to do is figure out where Jason’s mitt really is. If you can do that before the game ends, maybe Coach Quinn will understand that you were just trying to help.”
    â€œBut we don’t even have a suspect,” said Frank.
    â€œYou know what that means. You have to go back over your evidence. Talk to your witnesses. Facts are what solve crimes, boys.”

    Frank and Joe nodded. Mr. and Mrs. Hardy went back to their blanket to watch the rest of the game. The boys pulled out their notebook.
    â€œThe only people who knew anything were Jason and Mr. Mack,” said Frank. “So maybe we should talk to them again.”
    â€œGood idea,” said Joe. “Let’s talk to Mr. Mack first.”
    Together, they walked back behind the bleachers, to the corner where Mr. Mack and Lucy were sitting. Lucy was tied to a post to keep her from chasing the balls, but she wagged her tail when the boys came over.
    â€œShouldn’t you boys be playing?” asked Mr. Mack.
    Frank and Joe explained what had happened.
    â€œThat’s terrible!” Mr. Mack said. “But I don’t know if I can help you. I really didn’t see anyone go over by the gear except for that boy from the other team, Jason, and myself. Like I said, Lucy ran away after that, so I had to go look for her.”
    The boys thanked Mr. Mack for his help and set off to find Jason. He was their last hope.
    â€œWe must be missing something,” said Joe.
    â€œI know,” said Frank. “But what?”
    The fourth inning was just beginning as they neared the baseball field again. The Bandits were now behind 5–2. Frank and Joe watched for a few minutes. Missing three players made it almost impossible for the team to play. The Johnston Jupiters practically owned the field. This was going to be one of the worst defeats in Little League history!
    The boys went to find Jason. They couldn’t stand to watch the team lose so badly.
    â€œThat is totally unfair!” Jason said before Frank or Joe could even say hi. “And it’s all Conor’s fault! First he steals my mitt, and now he’s got Coach Quinn on his side.”
    â€œWe