The Mystery at the Dog Show Read Online Free PDF Page A

Violet.
    â€œIt will be here soon, Violet,” promised Grandfather Alden.
    The next day, everyone in the Alden house was up early. The Teagues and Sunny left first. “We have to get to the benching area by eight-thirty,” explained Caryn as they loaded Sunny and her equipment for the dog show into the car.
    â€œWe’ll see you there very soon,” Benny promised.
    The Alden children hurried through breakfast. Then Grandfather drove them all to the Greenfield Center.
    The center was even busier and more full of dogs than it had been the day before. The sound of barking filled the air. The loudspeaker boomed overhead. People hurried by in all kinds of clothes — some in aprons with pockets that held scissors and brushes, others in suits.
    â€œThe people in the aprons must be groomers,” said Henry. “Caryn was explaining that they often work on combing and clipping the dogs to make them look as good as possible, right up to the moment they go in the ring!”
    â€œThat’s a lot of work,” Jessie said.
    Henry explained more as they walked through the center. “There are rules about how dogs can be cut for the shows, too.”
    â€œIt’s funny, isn’t it?” Violet gave a little skip. “Dogs get haircuts just like people do!”
    Grandfather said, “Here are your ticket stubs. Our seats are in the middle over there. I’m going to buy a program for us and sit down. After you’ve looked around a little, why don’t you come join me?”
    â€œOkay, Grandfather,” said Henry. “I’ll put the tickets in my pocket where I can’t lose them.”
    Grandfather went to find their seats around the show ring, while Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny walked toward the benching area.
    â€œLook, there’s Mrs. DeCicco,” said Henry. “Let’s go say hello and wish her luck.”
    But as the Aldens got closer, they saw that Mrs. DeCicco was talking to three people wearing suits.
    â€œMaybe we can wish her luck another time,” said Violet shyly. Before the Aldens could leave, however, Mrs. DeCicco saw them and motioned them to come over.
    â€œThese are the Alden children, who helped me with my beagles last night when Ruth didn’t show up. And these” — Mrs. DeCicco clasped her hands and almost bowed — “are some of the judges! They are some of the most important people at a dog show.”
    â€œOh, now, I wouldn’t say that,” the tallest judge put in with a little shake of her head. “I’d say the owners and the handlers — and the dogs themselves — are the most important part of the show.”
    Mrs. DeCicco unclasped her hands and wagged her finger. “No, no! Don’t you believe it, children. These are wonderful judges. You know, I’ve been at shows where I’ve felt that the judges just didn’t understand what a good beagle is. And of course my babies are perfect examples!” Mrs. DeCicco laughed and patted the tall judge’s arm. The judge, looking uncomfortable, took a step backward as Mrs. DeCicco went on. “I know I can rely on you to choose the best dog.”
    All of the judges looked a little embarrassed at Mrs. DeCicco’s gushing words. The tall judge cleared her throat and said, “We do our best.” She turned to the Aldens. “Are you enjoying the dog show?”
    The Alden children all smiled politely. “It’s our first dog show,” said Jessie. “We’re having a lot of fun!”
    The judges all smiled. “I’m glad,” said the tall judge.
    â€œGood luck to you, Mrs. DeCicco,” said another judge, and the three judges moved away down the benching aisle.
    As the judges left, Mrs. DeCicco nervously clasped her hands again. “Judges!” she said. “Oh, dear, oh dear.”
    â€œIs Ruth still missing?” asked Henry.
    â€œWhat? Oh, no. She got here late last night.